Juventus legend tells young players to follow Cristiano Ronaldo, ‘not Messi’ to reach the top | OneFootball

Juventus legend Claudio Marchisio is full of praise for his ex-Juventus teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, saying young players should look to him, rather than Leo Messi, as the example to follow to reach the top.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Juventus in the summer of 2018 and would spend three years at the Allianz Stadium.

Marchisio, a Juventus legend and former Italy international, played with the Portuguese superstar for a few weeks before he terminated his contract with the Old Ladu by mutual agreement at the end of the 2018 summer transfer window.

Marchisio opens up about Ronaldo’s Juventus move

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 22: Claudio Marchisio, former player of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus and AS Roma on December 22, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

When Gazzetta asked about Ronaldo’s arrival in Turin seven years ago, Marchisio replied: “What shall I say? There was a lot of agitation. Juventus are accustomed to big champions, but I still remember the day he was expected to step into the dressing room for the first time.

“I remember Barzagli and me waiting. We had previously welcomed big champions such as Carlos Tevez, but with him it was different, we were like: ‘Is he really coming?’ A superstar.

“If there’s something I can tell young players, it is to follow his example,” continued the ex-midfielder.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – MAY 28: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates with teammates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and CF Montréal at Chase Stadium on May 28, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

“If you want to try to become a top player, follow his example, not Messi. Ronaldo was already a top player, but he had to build and work even more to become what he was. The other is blessed by the Lord; he has so much quality that he might not even need to train.”

Marchisio, a product of the Juventus Academy, spent almost his entire career with the Bianconeri, scoring 37 goals in 389 games.

The former Italian midfielder won seven Serie A titles, three Supercoppa Italiana and four Coppa Italia during his time at the club.

Marchisio also won the Russian League with Zenit St. Petersburg in 2018-19.