Real Madrid to sell Isco for €80 M instead of Napoli target James, Inter bid €80 M plus bonuses for Liverpool target Nicolas Pepe and more, 18 July 2019

Mino Raiola reveals the reason behind Matthijs de Ligt's Juventus move

De Ligt has accepted Cristiano Ronaldo's invitation to join Juventus

Matthijs de Ligt has finally put his drawn-out transfer saga to an end after signing for Juventus. The Dutch defender had attracted numerous top clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester United. Ajax director Edwin van der Sar previously claimed that de Ligt would move to either England or Spain.

However, the player's agent Mino Raiola revealed that the 19-year-old has his reasons to join the Old Lady. The super-agent stated that Juventus are the right club for de Ligt to learn to become the best defender. Raiola also hinted that the player would learn a lot from Leonardo Bonucci to achieve that objective.

“It’s not a question of who wanted him most, but Juve are the best team for him,” the agent said.

“It’s important for a defender to come to Italy. He can learn to become the best in the world here.

“This step is necessary for his career. Certainly, he’s the best young defender. After that, he only needs a bit of time to show that he’s the best on a different level.

“In terms of work and mentality, he approaches and, can indeed even surpass, Nedved. He reminds me of Ibra for his ambition.

“It’s always good to play alongside great champions like Bonucci. As for whether Ronaldo told him to join Juve, you have to ask him. I don’t know.