Football News

Cristiano Ronaldo asks Matthijs de Ligt to snub Barcelona for Juventus

By James Richards

Published: 16:52, 10 June 2019

Cristiano Ronaldo has attempted to persuade Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt to join him at Juventus next season, according to the defender.

The pair faced each other in yesterday’s Nations League final, after which the Portuguese star made the suggestion to his opponent.

Could Juventus sign Matthijs de Ligt? Five things to know…

  • Matthijs de Ligt is the Ajax captain at just 19 years old.
  • The defender is expected to make a big-money move this summer.
  • He has been linked with both PSG and Barcelona.
  • Ronaldo suggested to the player he should consider a move to Juve.
  • Juve could struggle to compete financially after already agreeing a deal for Aaron Ramsey.

Matthijs de Ligt is a wanted man this summer. The 19-year-old has already been linked with several of European football’s top clubs, after some outstanding displays with Ajax this season.

The young captain is being reportedly chased by PSG, Barcelona and Manchester United, yet that didn’t stop Cristiano Ronaldo from adding Juventus to that list on Sunday.

Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here.

The Portuguese star was facing the Dutch starlet in the Nations League final, which was won by Portugal thanks to a single goal from Goncalo Guedes.

After the final whistle, the Juventus star was seen talking to the Ajax man.

Asked if Ronaldo had questioned if he would be his team-mate at Juventus, De Ligt told NOS: “That could be true, yes.

“I didn’t understand him at first. I was a little shocked, so I laughed, but I didn’t say anything.

“Shortly after the game you are not at all concerned with it, you are disappointed you have lost and that is the only thing you are thinking about.”

Both Manchester United and Liverpool are expected to be in for the defender who helped Ajax reach the Champions League semi-final this season. He starred in both legs of their victory over Ronaldo’s former side, Real Madrid, further alerting the world to his talents.

They were defeated by Tottenham thanks to a dramatic late goal from Lucas Moura yet Ajax did pip PSV to the Eredivisie title.

The defender has made 117 senior appearances for Ajax and was recognised for his efforts by winning the 2018 Golden Boy award.