Rabiot: Ronaldo helping me improve at Juventus

Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot praised team-mate and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Saturday's Serie A opener.

Published : Aug 23, 2019 10:23 IST

Adrien Rabiot joined Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
Adrien Rabiot joined Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
lightbox-info

Adrien Rabiot joined Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

Adrien Rabiot said Cristiano Ronaldo is helping him improve at the Serie A champions as he hailed the Juventus superstar.

Rabiot is preparing for Saturday's league debut with Juventus against Parma after joining from Ligue 1 holder Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

Having settled in Turin, French midfielder Rabiot praised Juve team-mate and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo.

READ | Unwell Sarri to miss opening two Serie A games

"I played a lot this summer, because I needed to adapt to the team," Rabiot told Sky Sport 24 . "I'm managing to create an excellent affinity with Cristiano Ronaldo, because he also plays on the left. Training with him allows me to improve myself a lot and his presence is very good for the group."

"Turin is different from Paris. It's smaller, but it's a beautiful city," he added. "I am finding myself at ease and I managed to adapt well, which is very important for what I can then give on the field.

"Personally, I can't wait to start this adventure. I feel fit, we have worked a lot this summer, but we are ready for this appointment. With Parma it will be difficult, because we are the team to beat, and everyone will always give their best against us, but we are confident."

New head coach Maurizio Sarri will not be on the Juventus bench for their opening two Serie A games as he recovers from pneumonia.

ALSO READ | The five best signings ahead of the new Serie A season

Sarri, who arrived from Chelsea in the off-season, will miss Saturday's trip to Parma as well as the home match against former side Napoli on August 31.

"The coach made an excellent impression on me," said Rabiot. "He has a precise game philosophy and knows exactly how we must play, both in the offensive and defensive phases. We have already absorbed his concepts and we are working well with his staff."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment