Giorgio Chiellini explains departure of Mattia Caldara as a ‘sacrifice’ for Cristiano Ronaldo

Giorgio Chiellini described the sale of Mattia Caldara as a ‘sacrifice’. The Italian defender claims that the only reason for his sale was the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Caldara was swapped with Leonardo Bonucci by Juventus last week. AC Milan got the 24-year-old defender in exchange for the former Juve man with Gonzalo Higuain also moving to San Siro on a season-loan loan deal.

The Argentine striker joined AC Milan for a €18 million loan fee with an obligation to buy at €36 million. The €54 million recouped by Juve will be €36 million less than what they paid for him 2 seasons ago.

Juve had high hopes with Caldara after his impressive two-year loan spell at Atalanta. But for financial reasons, the Turin side had to let go of him even before he could make an appearance for them.

“He was a player who could have done very well here,” admitted Chiellini. “He had everything needed to do well. I understand he was in a situation where it was difficult to refuse a transfer and so Juventus, with a heavy heart, had to sell him.”

“The dynamics of the transfer market, however, are particular and the great signing of Ronaldo meant there were sacrifices. Unfortunately, Mattia came into that situation. I hope I can help him as an opponent because he is a boy who has something more not just on the pitch, but off the pitch.” added the Italian defender.

Juventus signed Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this summer for a club record deal of €105 million. The Portuguese star has signed a 4-year deal with the Old Lady for €575,000 a week!

Juve are also linked with a move for Paul Pogba this summer. The Serie A champions want to sign him back and are reportedly ready to offer over €100 million and/or players too.