"Ronaldo is special, I'm lucky to play with him," says Chiellini

Giorgio Chiellini spoke about his time alongside Ronaldo and how the striker may excel at their clash against Porto.

Juventus’ captain Giorgio Chiellini has been a Bianconero since 2005. Therefore, the defender has naturally played alongside and also faced some of the best players in the world. Nevertheless, Chiellini probably sleeps better at night knowing he won’t have to face Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch.

In fact, we’re sure that the 36-year-old still remembers the mind-blowing bicycle kick that Juventus suffered while Cristiano was still a Real Madrid player. Perhaps that is why Chiellini is so happy that Ronaldo is his teammate instead of his opponent: he knows his task as a defender is now easier than before.

“Cristiano is special, I don’t know,” Chiellini stated in the pre-match press conference. “It’s lucky to work with him and be able to ‘steal’ those little secrets that have allowed him to become a champion. We all have different characteristics and it’s just a matter of finding the right automatisms, but the same thing happens with any teammate with whom you play close, even from other positions.”

Additionally, the veteran center-back believes that Ronaldo’s nationality is a big plus as they prepare to face Porto in Cris‘ native country.

“Tomorrow we will play in Portugal, it is his home. He will have even more incentives to do well and score goals.”

The last time Cristiano Ronaldo faced Porto, he went on to win the first ever Puskas award for this rocket 🚀

(via @ChampionsLeague)pic.twitter.com/z203kASe17
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 16, 2021

Juventus have studied Porto quite well ahead of their game.

Giorgio Chiellini also offered the press and fans with a very thorough analysis of Juve’s opponent, Portuguese champions FC Porto. The Italian defender showed he has been studying the Portuguese team and is ready for this Wednesday’s clash.

“We’re going into it with enthusiasm, albeit aware of the obstacles,” said Chiellini. “Porto defend very well; they are a physical team, and we will have to be good at breaking them down and avoiding their counter-attacks that can be devastating.

“Since we drew Porto I started studying their forwards. They are dangerous both in the spaces and on crosses, but they also have excellent players out wide. We will have to be ready and not allow spaces.”