Gonzalo Higuain: Juventus 'Kicked Me Out' After Cristiano Ronaldo Transfer

AC Milan forward Gonzalo Higuain has said Juventus "kicked" him out after they signed Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer, but the Argentina international has no ill feelings for the Bianconeri. 

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Napoli and Real Madrid man said he felt the relationship broke down before the Italian champions even landed Ronaldo (h/t Football Italia):

"From the day of the Coppa Italia final I had an idea that something had broken.

“And then they took Ronaldo. The decision to leave wasn't mine, I gave everything for Juventus and won a lot of trophies.

"Then Cristiano arrived and the club wanted to make a leap in quality, and they told me I couldn't stay, and that they were trying to find a solution. The best solution was Milan."

When asked whether he wanted revenge on the Bianconeri, he said: "No. Not at all. I only feel affection because they treated me very well. My team-mates and the fans treated me really well, but I never asked to leave. Basically, as everyone says, they kicked me out."

Higuain became Juventus' record signing when he joined from Napoli in 2016 and gave the club a steady stream of goals for two seasons. His departure became inevitable once Ronaldo arrived, however, as Juventus needed to move on players to balance the books.

Per Football Italia, he joined Milan on loan with a €36 million option to make the deal permanent. That deal, and the transfer of Mattia Caldara, also saw Juventus bring back Leonardo Bonucci.

The 30-year-old has continued his consistent scoring in the Italian fashion capital, with four Serie A goals in five matches. He bagged a brace in the recent win over Chievo:

Ronaldo also has four Serie A goals this season, but Juventus are counting on him to make the difference on a larger scale. After seven straight domestic titles, the Bianconeri are anxious for glory in the UEFA Champions League, a tournament they haven't won since 1996.

They have a perfect record in all competitions coming out of the international break and already sit 12 points ahead of Milan in the Serie A standings.

The Bianconeri have the look of a juggernaut, and opposing players like Genoa's Domenico Criscito understand how difficult it will be to keep them from winning an eighth straight title:

Milan appear to be turning the corner, with three straight wins across all competitions, and they have their eye on securing Champions League football for next season. The experience and quality of Higuain will be crucial to achieving that goal.

The Rossoneri are set to face Inter Milan at the San Siro on Sunday in the first Derby della Madonnina of the season.