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Italian footballer Luca Pellegrini has shared the field with the Portugal and Al-Nassr superstar Ronaldo on more than one occasion.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s shirt was part of Luca Pellegrini’s esteemed collection (Picture credit: AP)
Italian footballer Luca Pellegrini has revealed that Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo has had a lasting impression on him. He explained Ronaldo’s ‘significant impact’ on his psyche after having shared the pitch on multiple occasions with him. Notably, the Lazio full-back was there when Ronaldo scored his first hat-trick in Serie A during his time at Juventus.
Ronaldo has lined up to face Pellegrini during the latter’s stints with Cagliari and Genoa, including a famous encounter in January 2020 when the then-Juventus side hammered Cagliari in a 4-0 victory.
‘This one I remember is from playing against him. Being on the field with Ronaldo, even for just a few moments, left a significant impact on me,’ Pellegrini said in an interaction with GOAL as he clutched Ronaldo’s shirt while showing off his incredible collection.
Revealing his enviable collection of jerseys, Pellegrini has gathered over his career, he also showed off the Paul Pogba shirt he has with him and revealed that the latter offered word of advice to the 26-year-old.
“Paul Pogba gave me his jersey with a lovely dedication. He gave me loads of advice. Over time, I’ve realised that great players also possess a strong human side. [Ex-Roma and Inter midfielder Radja Nainggolan] has a wild soul but is a good person at heart,” Pellegrini said.
“Goran Pandev is an idol for me and many Lazio fans,’ he said, disclosing the former’s Lazio jersey, having gone on loan to the club himself from Juventus.
“This section includes a jersey from Gareth Bale, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s jersey is also here. I’ll never forget playing against him. He made me fly after attempting to nutmeg him,” Pellegrini said.
The Italian footballer emphasised how inspired he has felt watching Ronaldo play against him and called him one of his idols growing up alongside Argentine international and great Lionel Messi.
“Players like Messi and Ronaldo have changed the game, setting expectations of scoring one or two goals per match. I liked Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho. Those who danced with the ball and brought emotions to the game. Now, football is more about statistics from a certain point of view,” Pellegrini said.
