Ronaldo Backs Sarri’s Appointment As Juventus Boss
Cristiano Ronaldo has given the green light to Maurizio Sarri's appointment at Juventus with the Portuguese star 'curious' to work with the attack-minded manager.
Sarri has always adopted a strong preference for attacking football, especially at Napoli where he encouraged the likes of Gonzalo Higuain and Dries Mertens to push forward at every opportunity.
It was a philosophy that didn't work with as much success at Chelsea last season but Sarri is set to depart Stamford Bridge having returned the club to the Champions League and won the Europa League.
Italian newspaper Tuttosport report that Sarri is only awaiting confirmation from Chelsea before rubber-stamping his appointment at the Italian champions.
And, in an early boost to his dressing room authority, Juve's biggest star Ronaldo has reportedly given his approval.
Sarri has a proven track record of getting the best out of his attackers, who find goals very easy to come by in his ultra-attacking system.
It was under Sarri that Higuain, now a Juventus player, scored a Serie A record 36 goals in 35 matches during the 2015-16 campaign.
And Belgian Mertens enjoyed the best season of his career under Sarri at Napoli in 2016-17, scoring 34 times in all competitions.
Sarri also permitted Eden Hazard more freedom to push forward after arriving at Chelsea last summer and the Belgian responded with 21 goals, the second-highest season tally in his career.
Ronaldo scored 28 goals and contributed 13 assists in all competitions during his first season in Turin after moving from Real Madrid in a deal worth £100million.
And even at the age of 34, Ronaldo is more than capable of exceeding those totals next season, especially if given licence by Sarri.
Sarri's move to Juventus is expected to be finalised by the end of the week.
The Italian's return to Italy is in its advanced stages and Sarri was understood to be back in his homeland on Tuesday ahead of completing his move.
Sarri is believed to have informed Chelsea of his intention to join Juve during a meeting on Friday, with the Blues unlikely to stand in his way provided the Serie A champions pay £5million in compensation.