Giorgio Chiellini describes Caldara as a 'sacrifice' for Ronaldo | OneFootball

Giorgio Chiellini described the departure of Mattia Caldara as a ‘sacrifice’ following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Caldara was involved in the recent ‘mega-deal’ between Juventus and Milan – which took him and Gonzalo Higuaín to San Siro, with Leonardo Bonucci moving in the opposite direction.

It meant that despite his highly promising two-year loan spell at Atalanta, the 24-year-old left without making a senior appearance for the Bianconeri.

“He was a player who could have done very well here,” admitted Chiellini. “He had everything needed to do well.

“I understand he was in a situation where it was difficult to refuse a transfer and so Juventus, with a heavy heart, had to sell him.

“The dynamics of the transfer market, however, are particular and the great signing of Ronaldo meant there were sacrifices.

“Unfortunately, Mattia came into that situation. I hope I can help him as an opponent because he is a boy who has something more not just on the pitch, but off the pitch.”