<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/"><strong>Cristiano Ronaldo</strong></a> has left his mark on every single club he’s played for, influencing not only the fans but also his own teammates with his unwavering dedication. Reflecting on his time playing alongside him, Brazilian defender <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/danilo/"><strong>Danilo</strong></a> praised the <strong>Portugal</strong> legend and pushed back against the myth surrounding him, claiming that “<em><strong>people think Cristiano Ronaldo is an extraterrestrial, but he was a normal guy.</strong></em>“</p>



<p>While reflecting on legendary locker room figures like Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini during his time at Juventus in an interview with <em>The Athletic</em>, Danilo addressed about how Ronaldo was like as a teammate: “<em>I’d played with him at Madrid (too). <strong>In Turin, he was more experienced but still scoring a lot of goals, still professional all the time</strong>. He pushed you, made you perform at your best in training, in games.</em>“</p>



<p>First at Real Madrid and later at Juventus, Danilo had the privilege of sharing a locker room with Ronaldo across two different clubs, <strong>lifting major silverware together including the 2015-16 and 2016-17 UEFA Champions League titles</strong>. Yet, beyond his game-winning performances on the pitch, it was Ronaldo’s daily intensity in training that truly made his presence felt.</p>



<p>The Brazilian full-back then offered some insight into the contrast between Ronaldo’s public persona and the man his teammates knew. “<em>People think Cristiano is like an extraterrestrial, <strong>but he was a normal guy who would laugh and have a good time with his family</strong>. But of course, Cristiano lives for football, in almost everything that he does, to be better every day</em>,” Danilo added.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/06/09222152/cristiano-ronaldo-danilo-juventus-1920x1080.webp" alt="Danilo (R) of Juventus FC celebrates with his team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo (L) after scoring the opening goal." class="wp-image-651411"><figcaption>Danilo (R) of Juventus FC celebrates with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo (L) after scoring the opening goal.</figcaption></figure>



<p>Now 34 years old and playing out the twilight of his career with Flamengo, Danilo still managed to secure a spot on Brazil’s 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. <strong>Head coach Carlo Ancelotti holds Danilo in high regard</strong>, valuing the veteran right-back’s leadership qualities and tournament experience even if he is no longer at the absolute peak of his physical powers.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/world-cup/beyond-cristiano-ronaldo-and-lionel-messi-9-icons-playing-their-last-world-cup-in-2026/"></div>


<p>Having shared a locker room with one of the greatest players ever and now playing under one of the most decorated managers in soccer history, Danilo drew a striking parallel between the two: “<em><strong>Ancelotti is like Cristiano. One of the most famous people in football, yet he lives the days with us like a normal person</strong>. He’s humble, and this is one of the most important abilities of champions. He won a lot, but he works as if he has won nothing.</em>“</p>



<h2>Ronaldo’s lasting impact on Danilo</h2>



<p>Upon arriving at Juventus in 2019, Danilo spent two more seasons alongside Ronaldo before the forward’s high-profile return to Manchester United in 2021. Even so, that window was more than enough for the Brazilian <strong>to forge a tight bond with the </strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/portugal/"><strong>Portugal</strong></a><strong> captain</strong>, leading to a heartfelt send-off when Ronaldo departed Italy.</p>



<p>In a past Instagram post, the veteran defender dedicated a special message to his longtime teammate: “<em>It was a pleasure to share two successful years with you, and also <strong>to learn from you every day how to be stronger in every situation, to be a fighter and to be extremely professional</strong>! Thanks for the friendship that we have made during this time. I wish you all the best for the next step. Keep making people happy!</em>“</p>



<div class="ck-instagram"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFipX-oDhm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFipX-oDhm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0"></div> <div style="height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px"> <div style="color:#3897f0;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:550;line-height:18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0"></div> <div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"> <div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"></div></div></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"></div></div></a><p style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFipX-oDhm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Danilo (@daniluiz2)</a></p></div></blockquote></div>



‘People think Cristiano Ronaldo is an extraterrestrial, but he was a normal guy’: Former teammate Danilo praises Portugal legend

‘People think Cristiano Ronaldo is an extraterrestrial, but he was a normal guy’: Former teammate Danilo praises Portugal legend - World Soccer Talk

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<p><strong>Ruben Amorim</strong> will officially become <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-united/">Manchester United</a></strong>‘s new manager on Monday, succeeding interim boss <strong>Ruud van Nistelrooy</strong>. He’s already reportedly considering potential January transfer moves to strengthen the squad. </p>



<p>While initially linked with several of his former Sporting Lisbon players, including star striker Viktor Gyokeres, <strong>Amorim has acknowledged the financial impracticality of such a move in the current transfer window</strong>, citing Gyokeres’s high transfer fee. He’s stated that he won’t be bringing in any players from Sporting in January.</p>



<p>Reports from Italy suggest<strong> Amorim is now targeting Juventus captain Danilo</strong>. The 33-year-old Brazilian is out of contract at the end of the season and is actively seeking a new club, making him a potentially cost-effective option. </p>



<p>Danilo’s agent is reportedly exploring various possibilities, and <strong>Amorim believes the experienced defender could immediately improve United’s backline.</strong> This represents a departure from the club’s usual transfer policy that favors younger players with high resale value.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/16024935/Danielo-Juventus-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-539217" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<h2>Juventus’s potential willingness to sell</h2>



<p>Juventus might be inclined to sell <strong>Danilo in January to avoid losing him for free in the summer</strong>. However, this potential transfer could clash with INEOS’s typical transfer policy, which usually prioritizes younger players with high potential and resale value. </p>



<p>This strategy has been apparent in recent signings, with the summer acquisitions of Leny Yoro from Lille and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. <strong>Injuries to Yoro and Harry Maguire, coupled with the reliance on veteran Jonny Evans</strong>, have highlighted United’s defensive vulnerabilities.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/16024933/Danilo-Man-City-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-539218" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<p>Danilo boasts extensive experience at the highest level, having captained both Juventus and Brazil. He also has Premier League experience, having won two titles during his time at Manchester City (2017-2019). His five years with Juventus yielded a Serie A title and two Coppa Italia wins. His arrival would likely introduce a level of experience and leadership sorely needed within United’s backline.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-faces-competition-bayern-munichs-leroy-sane-draws-interest-from-another-premier-league-team/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20241107_WST_538838_Leroy-Sane.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt=" The race for Leroy Sané is ON.  Manchester United and Arsenal are set to compete for the Bayern Munich winger&apos;s signature, making this summer&apos;s transfer window all the more exciting.
" title="Arsenal faces competition: Bayern Munich&apos;s Leroy Sané draws interest from another Premier League team" publication_id="WST#/news/arsenal-faces-competition-bayern-munichs-leroy-sane-draws-interest-from-another-premier-league-team/"></div>

Ruben Amorim's first Manchester United signing: Ex-Manchester City player incoming?

Ruben Amorim's first Manchester United signing: Ex-Manchester City player incoming? - World Soccer Talk

<p>Juventus left it late to beat Udinese by 1-0 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday night. This was the Bianconeri’s eighth consecutive league victory without conceding a goal. The result meant that Juventus have closed the gap to just four points to league leaders Napoli who have a game in hand. </p>



<p>Brazilian defender Danilo scored the only goal of the game in the 86th minute to overcome a spirited Udinese side who will surely feel that they had done enough to secure at least a point from the game. </p>



<p>There was a one minute silence prior to kickoff in honor of Gianluca Vialli who sadly <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12771998/gianluca-vialli-former-italy-and-chelsea-striker-dies-aged-58-after-battle-with-pancreatic-cancer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">passed away</a> earlier this week. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Juventus fans paying tribute to Gianluca Vialli ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/c71qB1uCBs">pic.twitter.com/c71qB1uCBs</a></p>— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/IFTVofficial/status/1611771891261538305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>World Cup winner Angel Di Maria started for the home side and the tinkle toed winger almost setup the first goal of the match. The Argentine’s sublime cross in the 19th minute was met by Daniele Rugani but Udinese keeper Marco Silvestri pulled off an incredible reflex save to keep the scoresheet level.</p>



<p>Di Maria, continuing his fine form then setup Moise Kean with a splendid through ball but the Italian striker’s low effort was once again blocked by Silvestri. Udinese were content to sit back and soak up the pressure and looked to play on the counterattack. The traveling side managed to have only two shots on target in the first half hardly troubling Wojciech Szczesny in the Juventus goal.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🆚 17 games<br>🔒 12 clean sheets<br><br>Juventus are solid in Serie A this season 🧱 <a href="https://t.co/HkWOxL1Xeu">pic.twitter.com/HkWOxL1Xeu</a></p>— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1611806233547120640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>The Old Lady had two glorious opportunities to go ahead after the restart, but it was Kean again who fired just inches over the bar while Adrien Rabiot’s ball from the wing evaded everyone in the box with the Udinese goal wide open. Di Maria came off with a calf problem after a wonderful creative performance as Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri rang his changes from the bench in search of the breakthrough goal.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Juventus vs. Udinese: Extended Highlights | Serie A | CBS Sports Golazo" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RktB23bQffU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>The home side finally broke the deadlock four minutes before the end when substitutes Leandro Paredes and Federico Cheisa combined. The Argentina floated in a ball for the latter who controlled with his chest before volleying it across the face of goal where Danilo was left unmarked and the Brazilian slotted home with a tap in at the back post.</p>



<p>Chiesa could have got a goal of his own in stoppage time as Juventus ran out with three crucial points in the bag. Allegri’s mean who started the campaign poorly will now look to mount a serious title challenge should they keep on grinding results like on Saturday night.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / Marco Canoniero</em></p>


Juventus close gap at the top of Serie A with late 1-0 win

Juventus beat Udinese 1-0 in Turin on Saturday night to close gap with Serie A leaders Napoli in the Italian league.

Juventus close gap at the top of Serie A with late 1-0 win - World Soccer Talk

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‘People think Cristiano Ronaldo is an extraterrestrial, but he was a normal guy’: Former teammate Danilo praises Portugal legend

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Ruben Amorim's first Manchester United signing: Ex-Manchester City player incoming?

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Juventus close gap at the top of Serie A with late 1-0 win