Sassuolo new-signing Kevin-Prince Boateng is looking forward to an exciting challenge against Juventus new signing Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2018-19 Serie A season.
Boateng completed a free transfer to the Mapei Stadium this month after helping Eintracht Frankfurt to win the German Cup last season while Ronaldo joined the reigning Italian champions for €100 million after nine years at Real Madrid.
The 33-year-old forward garnered a staggering 450 goals across all competitions during his spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.
And the midfielder has talked up the impact of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner on the Italian top-flight.
“Am I the Cristiano Ronaldo of Sassuolo? Maybe yes, but I’m 500 goals away,” Boateng told SkySports Italia.
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“I’d like to beat him, but first you have to beat Juventus and they have some other very good players.
“Besides, I can’t do it all alone. I need the help of my teammates, I can’t fight anyone by himself
“His arrival proves that Serie A is very important, the best player in the world has arrived here and we can only enjoy his ‘landing’ because he’ll show us things we’ve never seen in Italy.”
The 31-year-old has scored five goals already in two matches for the Black and Greens in this summer.
And he revealed how he has settled down so quick in Roberto De Zerbi’s squad in less than a month.
“I’m feeling like a striker and I feel very good. I’m free to help the midfield, after that we’ll see,” he continued.
“I had a super season last term, winning the German Cup. For the first time in my career, I wanted to leave Germany with a clean and positive image.
“When Sassuolo called, I immediately said ‘yes’. De Zerbi called me and he told me that we’d have a great season.
“It was an easy choice, I wanted to go back to Italy. We have a young coach but already one of the best in Serie A.
“He makes us work hard but wants us to always end the day with a smile. I feel good and very important here, but we’re waiting for the real games to come. We’ll see everything there.”
Boateng who won the Scudetto with AC Milan back in 2011, relived the experience he had in San Siro as he gets ready for his third stint in Italy.
“I have a lot of good memories of my time there. My first day was great, I went into the dressing room and saw the names of all the champions that were there.
“I immediately called my brother on the phone and told him: ‘I’m not playing games here.’
“I can’t forget my goal at Barcelona and treble against Lecce. I can’t wait to play at San Siro against Milan.
“It’ll be really exciting because the Rossoneri colours will always be in my heart. I’m really very close to Milan. I’ve also suffered because I’m a Milan fan, but I’m sure Milan will have a great season because the Rossoneri have finally found the right coach.”
