Cancelo: Everybody wants to be like Ronaldo, even Chiellini!

Joao Cancelo claims “everybody” at Juventus wants to be like Cristiano Ronaldo, with even Giorgio Chiellini swept up by the hype surrounding the Portuguese superstar.

A stunning €100 million (£87m/$114m) transfer took the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to Turin over the summer, with a new challenge sought after nine trophy-laden seasons at Real Madrid.

Ronaldo made a slow start to his time in Serie A, but has rediscovered his spark to net seven times across his last 10 appearances.

At 33 years of age he continues to set the standard for individual excellence, with his efforts in training and competitive action making others aware of what is required to reach the very top.

Those around him at Juve have been inspired by his presence, with fellow summer signing Cancelo conceding that it is impossible not to be caught up in the Ronaldo buzz.

The 24-year-old defender told Tuttosport of a fellow countryman: “Everybody at Juventus looks at Cristiano Ronaldo as a great example. 

“Everybody wants to be like him, even the more experienced players like Chiellini.

“He is an incredible player, he works a lot and he is an example for us all. He is humble and a hard worker.”

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While Cancelo is delighted to be working with Ronaldo in the present, he has suggested that his future may lie back home.

The Portugal international is a product of the famed academy system at Benfica and, having only spent one season as a first-team regular at the club before heading to Valencia, admits that the Lisbon giants retain a special place in his heart.

He added: “Benfica? I am at one of the best clubs in the world but I miss the 60,000 fans of the Estadio Da Luz.”

Cancelo penned a five-year contract with Juve upon his arrival, with the club having invested €40m (£35m/$46m) of faith in his talent, so there is no chance of him returning to his roots any time soon.