Published 20:40 IST, October 18th 2018
Gonzalo Higuain feels Juventus 'kicked' him out after Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival
Gonzalo Higuain insists that he was 'kicked out' of Juventus, after the block-buster arrival of the Portuguese superstar Cristinao Ronaldo from Real Madrid.
Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain insists that he was 'kicked out' of Juventus, after the block-buster arrival of the Portuguese superstar Cristinao Ronaldo from Real Madrid.
The Italian giants had signed Higuain from Napoli for 90 million euros in 2016, making him the club's record-transfer. The Argentine striker had helped Juventus retain their Serie A title over 2 seasons scoring 40 goals in all. However, during his two-year spell, Higuain failed to guide the Biaconneri to Champions League glory, a trophy that has been missing in their elusive trophy-cabinet since 1996.
Success in the Champions League being on top of their agenda for this season, forced Juventus to turn their eyes towards Cristiano Ronaldo, a player who has won the coveted title on five occasions.
This made Ronaldo bring an end to his glittering nine year-stay in the Spanish capital as he decided to join Juventus in a reported 100 million euros deal. The move saw him become the club's record transfer. However, the downside of Ronaldo's arrival meant, Gonzalo Higuain was surplus to requirements at Juventus.
While suggesting that the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo was the last straw of his Juventus career, Hiuguain pointed out that the issues began way back in May, when manager Massimiliano Allegri had left him out of the squad for the Coppa Italia Final.
“That day, I had the feeling inside me that maybe something had broken down. And then they signed Ronaldo,” Higuain said in an interview with Gazzetto dello Sport.
“The decision to leave was not mine. I gave everything for Juventus, I won several titles, after which Cristiano arrived. The club wanted to make a leap in quality and they told me that I could not stay and that they were trying to find a solution. The best solution was Milan.”
Higuan headed to AC Milan on loan and could see the move been made permanent by the end of the season. Despite the feeling that he was 'kicked out' by Juventus, Gonzalo Higuain holds no grudge against the club.
''No, not at all. I only feel affection because they treated me very well," said the 30-year-old. My teammates and the fans treated me really well, but I never asked to leave. Basically, as everyone says, they kicked me out.
Updated 21:16 IST, October 18th 2018