‘I thought CR7 was impossbile’

Giorgio Chiellini on Cristiano Ronaldo transfer from Real Madrid and sensational Leonardo Bonucci deal

Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini revealed what went through his head when the rumours of Cristiano Ronaldo joining the club started brewing while opening up about his long-time defensive partner Leonardo Bonucci possibly returning to the club.

Ronaldo, 33, joined the Serie A champions in a sensational deal that shocked the football fraternity after nine trophy-laden seasons at Real Madrid.

After winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles and becoming the club’s record goalscorer, the Portugal captain hinted he may leave the club.

And despite Juve being one of the biggest club’s within European football, Chiellini admits he couldn’t fathom the idea of the ‘transfer of the century’ – as it’s been dubbed in Italy.

“[The first time I heard about Ronaldo], I said to my friends, ‘Nah, it’s impossible,'” he told ESPN.”After one day, [I thought] maybe it is possible.

“With our manager, with our director … it’s a reality. Juventus is growing … year after year, and we need a champion like Cristiano.

“We are excited, we are ready to work with him; all the parts of the club, the players, the marketing manager, the director, are ready to improve with Cristiano and we hope he can help us to achieve our target.”

After being pressed over Bonucci potentially returning in the heart of the Bianconeri defence after a solitary season in Milan, the Azzurri remained mum on the deal.

“Leonardo, for me, is a friend,” Chiellini said. “I pass my holiday with him and my family.

“I know about his quality, but I don’t know. It’s not easy, and I want to have respect to my teammates … I’m not s president or director, so we will see what happens at the end of the Serie A — we will see if Leonardo is here.” – kickoff.com