Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt had made up his mind to join the Serie A champions even before Cristiano Ronaldo asked him about a potential move to Italy, the teenager said on Friday.
Juventus announced the signing of the 19-year-old on Thursday, landing one of the most sought-after young players in world soccer from Ajax Amsterdam for 75 million euros ($84.39 million).
The Netherlands international said last month that he had been asked by Portugal’s Ronaldo following the Nations League final about linking up in Turin.
“After the final I was already sure I wanted to join Juve ... it was a big compliment to have Ronaldo ask me to join ... but it didn’t make the difference,” De Ligt told reporters in his first news conference as a Juve player.
“I spoke to (manager) Maurizio Sarri just to get to know each other. He was one of the reasons I wanted to join here, I’ve heard a lot of good things about him and I like his footballing philosophy and how he prepares his defence.”
De Ligt, who captained his former club in their thrilling run to the Champions League semi-finals last season, said he did not feel any additional pressure after becoming one of the most expensive defenders in the world.
{{/usCountry}}De Ligt, who captained his former club in their thrilling run to the Champions League semi-finals last season, said he did not feel any additional pressure after becoming one of the most expensive defenders in the world.
{{/usCountry}}“Pressure is normal in football. For me it’s not a problem. I’ll show what I’m capable of on the pitch,” he added.
“I’m 19, I can still improve and I want to do that. It’s important to work hard every day and to learn and I hope to become a better player.”
“Juventus is a great forward step for me. In Holland there’s a lot of building from the back and defending high up the pitch. Italy is more about zonal marking and defending together, I think that Juve can help me and I can help them.”