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Weston McKennie Move To Juventus Would Make Him Third USMNT Player To Be Teammates With Cristiano Ronaldo

USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie can breathe a sigh of relief knowing he won’t have to help carry the burning carcass of Schalke for another Bundesliga season. The once-juggernaut German club could be fearing relegation next season. This is no worry to McKennie as news broke on Wednesday that he will reportedly be playing with Juventus.

McKennie had been heavily linked with Southampton, Newcastle United and Bundesliga rival Hertha Berlin but will instead play for the club that has won Serie A the last nine seasons. Juventus will seek a 10th straight league title under new manager Andrea Pirlo.

The American midfielder turns 22 this Friday and will be one of the club’s younger players on a stacked roster. McKennie faces hefty competition to start in a midfield among the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot, Sami Khedira and incoming Barcelona signing Arthur.

If McKennie does get the nod from Pirlo to see action, he will be surrounded by world-class talent including Cristiano Ronaldo. Only two other Americans can say that they have been teammates with Mr. CR7. 

List Of Americans To Play With Cristiano Ronaldo

1. Tim Howard

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Tim Howard and Ronaldo both made their debuts for Manchester United in the 2003-04 season. The American goalkeeper made 44 total appearances for the Red Devils. That season Manchester United won the FA Community Shield, with Howard making the game-winning save in a penalty shootout. Howard and Ronaldo also lifted the FA Cup that season.

Howard and Ronaldo were teammates for four seasons before the American made the move to Everton.

2. Jonathon Spector

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The only other American who can claim being Ronaldo’s teammate is former defender Jonathon Spector. The Illinois native started his career with Manchester United. Spector only played one season with the club in the 2004-05 campaign and made eight total appearances.  

Unfortunately for Spector, his one season with United ended trophy-less and he was loaned out to Charlton Athletic the next season. At least he can tell everyone he was teammates with one of the best in the world. 

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