Pirlo: 'Ronaldo will make the difference in Champions League'

Andrea Pirlo believes the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo can help Juventus claim its first Champions League crown since 1996.

Published : Jul 24, 2018 08:50 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Juventus can help the Bianconeri end its lengthy wait for Champions League glory, according to legend Andrea Pirlo.

Juve has not been champion of Europe since its 1996 victory over Ajax in Rome, Marcello Lippi's side needing penalties to secure its second crown.

It appeared in the following two finals but was beaten by Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, before vying for the title again in 2003 – when it lost a shoot-out to AC Milan.

Massimiliano Allegri has revitalised its fortunes in recent campaigns but the Champions League trophy continues to elude it.

Final defeats to Barcelona in 2015 and Madrid in 2017 kept its barren run going, but Pirlo believes the acquisition of Ronaldo, who has won the competition five times, could change all that.

"Cristiano Ronaldo can bring that something extra, which Juventus needs," he told Sky Sports Italia when asked about the €112million signing from Madrid.

"I'm happy that a great champion has joined Juve. Buying a player like him doesn't win you the Champions League alone, but you get a lot closer to it.

"Ronaldo is a player who shifts balances and can help Juventus win the Champions League.

"He's a top player, he'll make the difference and we'll see something beautiful."

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