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Maurizio Sarri: I will help Cristiano Ronaldo break some new records

Football

By Mirror | Jun 20, 2019

*Sarri has replaced Max Allegri as manager of the Italian champions. [Courtesy]*

Maurizio Sarri says he hopes to help Cristiano Ronaldo "break some new records" after being unveiled as Juventus boss.

Former Chelsea boss Sarri has replaced Max Allegri as manager of the Italian champions and has signed a three-year deal in Turin.

The Bianconeri have paid a compensation package believed to be in the region of £5million to take Sarri back to his homeland.

And the 60-year-old has admitted that a return to Italy was a major reason for his Stamford Bridge exit.

"The Premier League was a great experience, but in the latter half (of the season), I felt professional and personal needs to return to Italy," said Sarri.

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He led Chelsea to third in the Premier League, the Carabao Cup final and silverware in the Europa League - his first trophy as a manager.

Now he is tasked with leading Juve to a ninth-straight Italian title and takes over the club's Champions League obsession.

Sarri is aware of the pressure he faces in Turin - particularly as a former Napoli manager - but says he is looking forward to working with the likes of Miralem Pjanic, Paulo Dybala and, in particular Ronaldo.

"At Chelsea I coached some very strong players, but training Cristiano will be yet another step forward," said Sarri.

"I'd like to help him break some new records.”

Sarri, whose return to Italy will see him be nearer his family, including his elderly parents, a factor crucial in his homecoming, also added: "Juve are the best Italian club right now and offered me a chance to return to Italy.

"It's the crowning achievement of a long career, that for 80 per cent of it was extremely tough.

"I arrive with scepticism [from fans], just as I did with all my other clubs. I understand that.

"But I know only one way to change that and that is to win and convince while entertaining and getting results."

Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici also took the step of thanking Chelsea for the way negotiations over Sarri had been conducted.

"We had clear ideas from the start, but you have to show respect for a coach under contract and two big clubs," he told a press conference.

"I thank Chelsea for their actions, as Marina Granovskaia confirmed herself as one of the best directors out there."

Video: Juventus unveil Maurizio Sarri