Cristiano Ronaldo is pushing Juventus to sign the ‘new Lionel Messi’ before the footballing world finds out about him. Reports state that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is also keen on signing Argentine Thiago Almada but Ronaldo wants the Serie A champions to grab the youngster from Velez Sarsfield in Argentina. Almada, who plays for Velez Sarsfield in his homeland is compared to Messi for their similarities in playing style. Cristiano Ronaldo ‘Siii’ Celebration: Juventus Football Star Reveals the Reason Behind His Iconic Goal Celebration (See Pics, Wallpapers and Videos).

According to a report from Fox Sports, both Guardiola and Ronaldo are very keen on bringing the Argentine to their Europe before other clubs has any knowledge of him. The fear is that when top clubs find out about the emergence of a ‘new Messi’ they will be ready splash world record fees on the youngster. Guardiola wants Almada at Etihad, while Ronaldo is determined to take Almada to Italy. Lionel Messi Joins Barcelona After Long Vacation Ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy 2019 Final Match Against Arsenal.

Former Argentina international and Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze is the current manager at Velez Sarsfield and is reportedly ready to sell the 18-year-old for the right price and to the right club. Heinze wants to send Almada to Europe and is convinced that the youngster has it in him to turn out for top European clubs. Happy Friendship Day 2019: Cristiano Ronaldo-Marcelo, Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer and Other Sports Personalities Who Are Best Friends in Real Life.

“I would love to tell the whole truth, but sometimes I can’t do it because I am responsible for a group. This week was the Thiago we all know. He spent a few very special days, but normal, with all this,” Heinze was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, both Ronaldo and Messi were included in FIFA’s 10-man shortlist for the Best Men’s Player of the Year Award. Both the superstars have knocked out the Champions League last season but led their respective clubs to domestic league titles. Ronaldo even led Portugal to the inaugural UEFA Nations League title in May earlier this year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2019 04:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).