Lazio sporting director Igli Tare says Italian football must embrace the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus.

Tare says the presence of the Ballon d'Or is a great coup for Serie A.

“The arrival of Ronaldo in Italy is extremely important," Tare told Sport1.

“I see his arrival as very positive. It's triggered something incredible in Italy, all the best Italian clubs have taken risks this summer to do transfers to compete both domestically and internationally.

“Ronaldo is important for the image of the league. We're talking about a player with very high quality, this transfer is definitely a boost for Italian football.

“Is it a step back for CR7? For pity's sake, no! Juventus is an absolutely world-class club, they've reached the Champions League final twice in four years.

“The Portuguese is still at an age where he can best express his football and wants to succeed in one of the best leagues in the world.

“That's his objective and I take my hat off to him, but the Italian league is the most difficult in the world."