Lionel Messi encouraged to 'accept the challenge' of Serie A and move to Italy by Cristiano Ronaldo

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has encouraged Lionel Messi to step out of his comfort zone and ‘accept the challenge’ of playing in Italy.

While Ronaldo swapped Madrid for Turin in the summer, having played in his native Portugal and in the Premier League in England, Messi has only ever played club football for Barcelona.

Ronaldo does not miss playing in La Liga alongside Messi, but admitted he would like to see him ply his trade in Serie A.

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“No, maybe he misses me. I played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal, in the national team, while he is still in Spain,” Ronaldo said.

“Maybe he needs me more. For me, life is a challenge, I like it and I like to make people happy. I would like him to come to Italy one day. Like me, accept the challenge.

“However, if he is happy there, I respect him, he is a fantastic player, a good guy but I do not miss anything here. This is my new life and I’m happy.”

Ronaldo also hailed the atmosphere in Juve’s squad, saying that it is the ‘best group’ he has played with.

“It’s not fair to name just a few, but I can say that this is the best group I’ve ever played,” he added.

“Here we are a team, elsewhere someone feels bigger than others but here they are all on the same line, they are humble and want to win.

“If [Paulo] Dybala or [Mario] Mandzukic do not score, you still see them happy, smile Even in Madrid they are humble but here. I feel they are more so. It is very different from Madrid, this is more a family .”