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Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists Cristiano Ronaldo ducked ‘challenge’ by opting for Juventus transfer from Real Madrid last summer

Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists Cristiano Ronaldo took the easy option by ducking a “challenge” to join Juventus.

The LA Galaxy striker believes the former Real Madrid superstar’s decision was an easy one after leaving Real Madrid.

The former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain star considers a challenge to be joining a team and taking them far – which is arguably difficult to do given Juve have banked seven successive league titles.

“I didn’t say his transfer wasn’t great,” Ibrahimovic told DAZN, clarifying previous comments which seemed to suggest he was critical of the move.

“I said that it wasn’t a challenge to join Juventus. It’s not a challenge to go to one of the best teams in the world.

“Maybe it depends on what you mean by challenge. For me, a challenge is joining a team and taking them far. That’s a challenge.”

Whether Juventus finally stumbling over the line in Europe to win the Champions League could be deemed “far” is unclear.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus was not a challenge (AFP/Getty)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus was not a challenge (AFP/Getty)

Ronaldo looks set to at least pocket a Serie A title in his debut season, with the Bianconeri taking an 11-point lead over Napoli in second.

The 34-year-old has 20 goals and 11 assists this season in all competitions, somewhat justifying the huge outlay made by the Old Lady.

Ronaldo has started well in Italy (EPA)
Ronaldo has started well in Italy (EPA)

But the ultimate test will come next week in their clash with Atletico Madrid.

Frosinone are up first in Serie A on Friday night, before a trip back to the Spanish capital for Ronaldo for the first leg of the last 16 tie.