USMNT star McKennie recalls first time he met Ronaldo and reveals nickname Portugal legend has given him

 The 22-year-old has a fearless reputation on the pitch, but the prospect of meeting an all-time great left him feeling anxious

USMNT star Weston McKennie has spoken about the first time he met Cristiano Ronaldo after joining new club Juventus, insisting that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's “warm” demeanour put him at ease after originally being star-struck upon his arrival.

McKennie made the switch to the Bianconeri from Schalke in the summer transfer window on a loan deal, with the Serie A champions having the option to make his move permanent for a fee that could rise to €25.5 million (£23m/$30m).

The 22-year-old midfield enforcer has made no secret in the past of his desire to one day ply his trade in the Premier League, but admitted that he could not turn down the offer of a club as big as the Turin giants.