Douglas Costa reveals what Cristiano Ronaldo is really like behind the scenes at Juventus

Former Juventus winger Douglas Costa has offered a revealing insight into life alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, describing the Portuguese superstar as the perfect blend of relentless professionalism and dressing-room humour.

The Brazilian believes Ronaldo’s incredible consistency made him one of the easiest players to play with, while his personality away from the pitch often surprised those who only saw his intense competitive side.

Ronaldo was a ‘guarantee for goals’

Costa spent two seasons alongside Ronaldo in Turin after the Portuguese legend arrived from Real Madrid in 2018.

Reflecting on their partnership, the Brazilian described the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as a player who made life easier for everyone around him through his remarkable reliability in front of goal.

“For almost 15 years, he had already been a guarantee for the goals he scored,” Costa told Tuttosport.

“He was such an easy player to handle: he joked a lot when it was time, but on the pitch he was a machine.

“I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to play with him. It was definitely a great fortune.”

Why Costa chose Juventus

Costa also recalled how his move from Bayern Munich to Juventus came together in 2017 after discussions with then-chairman Andrea Agnelli and sporting director Fabio Paratici.

Although Inter Milan had expressed serious interest, the Brazilian admitted Juventus quickly became his preferred destination.

“It was a quick deal, but it came about some time before,” Costa explained.

“Agnelli and Paratici spoke to me right after the 2016 Champions League match between Juve and Bayern Munich.

“Alex Sandro asked me, ‘Would you come to Juve?’ I never had any doubts, especially because I would have played less with Ancelotti at Bayern Munich. The manager had been very clear with me.

“So Paratici called me and it was all very quick, but then again, when Juve calls you, you can’t say no.”

Allegri transformed his mentality

Costa admitted adapting to Italian football was not straightforward and credited Massimiliano Allegri with helping him mature as a player.

The Brazilian initially found himself on the bench before earning a regular place once he understood the tactical demands of Serie A.

“At first, I was benched for a bit, then he brought me in when I understood Italian football,” Costa said.

“I found myself and fell in love with Italy, and my teammates were also really supportive.

“Allegri made me understand that to play I had to always stay on top of things, never switch off; he was very valuable in changing my mentality.”

Ronaldo’s legacy extends beyond the goals

While Ronaldo’s astonishing goalscoring record remains his defining characteristic, Costa’s reflections highlight another side of the Portuguese icon.

Away from the spotlight, the Brazilian portrays Ronaldo as a teammate who knew when to relax, joke with colleagues and build relationships, while maintaining the relentless work ethic that made him one of football’s greatest players.

For Costa, sharing a dressing room with the all-time international top scorer remains one of the defining experiences of his career.

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