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    Cristiano Ronaldo 'Asked Me to Come to Juventus,' Says Matthijs de Ligt

    Christopher Simpson@@CJSimpsonBRFeatured ColumnistJune 10, 2019

    PORTO, PORTUGAL - JUNE 9: (L-R) Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, Matthijs de Ligt of Holland during the match between Portugal v Holland at the Estadio do Dragao on June 9, 2019 in Porto Portugal (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
    Soccrates Images/Getty Images

    Cristiano Ronaldo asked Matthijs de Ligt to join Juventus after Portugal's 1-0 UEFA Nations League final win over Netherlands on Sunday, the defender has revealed. 

    Ronaldo approached De Ligt at the final whistle and the pair shared a laugh.

    De Ligt told NOS (h/t MailOnline's Will Griffee) what happened: "He asked me to come to Juventus. I was a little shocked by that question. That's why I laughed. I didn't understand him at first."

    The Ajax starlet has been linked with a move to the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool this summer.

    "Now I will go on vacation. I'll think carefully about what is best for me and then I'll decide," he added. "For a young player like me, it's important to go to a club where I can play consistently. That's the main issue."

    Goncalo Guedes scored the decisive goal in Portugal's win at the Estadio do Dragao, and it was a moment to forget for De Ligt as he was nutmegged in the build-up:

    Sky Sports Football @SkyFootball

    Breakthrough for Portugal! 🔥 It's a wonderful move and Guedes finishes it off in style! 🎯 Watch the UEFA Nations League final live on Sky Sports Football now or follow it live here: https://t.co/XwpaDpi6nA https://t.co/1g9pevCJ4q

    He also conceded a penalty against England in the semi-final.

    Cristiano Ronaldo 'Asked Me to Come to Juventus,' Says Matthijs de Ligt
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    However, in that match he atoned for his error by heading home the equaliser before the Oranje went on to win 3-1 after extra time:

    Sky Sports Football @SkyFootball

    "It's a brilliant header from the centre back. There's no chance for Pickford." De Ligt with the thumping header. Can England bounce back? Watch live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event or follow here: https://t.co/ALVJM1qrDX https://t.co/y2S7UbavAZ

    Football statistician Dave O'Brien shared his numbers from the semi-final:

    Statman Dave @StatmanDave

    Matthijs de Ligt’s game by numbers vs. England: 93% pass accuracy 6/6 aerials won 3 clearances 3 tackles won 1 penalty conceded 1 goal Grew into the game after that early mistake. 🙌 https://t.co/qMBsVwf87F

    Given De Ligt is only 19, it's natural that he's not yet the finished article and such errors are still part of his game.

    He's an incredible prospect, though, so it's little wonder Europe's elite have taken a keen interest in him.

    Ronaldo's Juventus side could use him. Though their record of 30 goals conceded was the best in Serie A this season, it was the most they've shipped since the 2010-11 campaign.

    Andrea Barzagli is hanging up his boots at the age of 38 this summer, too, while Giorgio Chiellini will be 35 in August.

    Juve have been grooming Daniele Rugani to succeed their veteran centre-backs, but he has not been especially convincing.

    De Ligt not only has more potential than the 24-year-old, he's arguably already operating at a higher level.