🚨🗣️🇮🇹 Giorgio Chiellini on Cristiano Ronaldo's aura at Juventus:
"At the beginning, it was difficult for the club. We had never experienced that level of global attention. We already had pressure, but when Cristiano arrived, everything changed. Everywhere we travelled, we were followed by people."
"When the team was losing, Cristiano always had the courage to take responsibility. He would shoot from anywhere and do everything possible to lead the team to victory. Not many players can do that."
"I loved playing with him. Watching him every day, seeing the small details in how he worked, was incredible."
"People always ask: Messi or Cristiano? I won't say who is better, but if I had to choose one player for a final, I'd pick Cristiano."
"When the game became more difficult, he always raised his level of performance."
🚨 Marc Cucurella was asked who gave him the hardest time between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
🎙️ Reporter: “Marc, as a left-back you’ve faced both Messi and Ronaldo in big games. Who was the tougher opponent for you personally?”
🗣️ Marc Cucurella: “They’re legends in completely different ways, but facing Cristiano Ronaldo in the World Cup was something else.
“Even at 41, Ronaldo remains a massive threat. You can’t switch off for a second because one run or clever movement can create a chance out of nothing. Our team had to stay ultra-focused to handle him.
“In that match, Portugal didn’t create much overall, but Ronaldo still managed a few dangerous moments and got shots away — it shows his incredible mentality and finishing instinct. He forces defenders into tough 1v1 situations with his speed and power.
“With Messi it was more about collective organisation. We tried to stay compact, limit his space in between the lines, and make it hard for him to link up with teammates.
“Personally, the intensity and constant danger Ronaldo brings, even when the team isn’t dominating, made him the harder one to face in that game. He’s a legend and it was special to share the pitch with him.”