Ajax has officially announced the signing of Juventus defender Daniele Rugani on a straight season-long loan until the end of the 2024-25 season. The 30-year-old has spent his entire senior career contracted to Juventus, making his Serie A debut for the Old Lady during the 2015-16 season. Ajax will technically be the fifth club Rugani has played for at the senior level, having had a two-year loan stint with Empoli between 2013 and 2015, a brief one-match spell with Rennes in Ligue 1 during 2020, and a six-month stay with Cagliari in 2021.
Ajax's technical director, Alex Kroes, expressed confidence about Rugani's addition, stating, "With Rugani, we are bringing in a player who has years of experience in one of the top European leagues. He is an intelligent, tall defender who is strong in duels. His arrival provides an experience boost for our squad and relatively young defence. This way, the team will be more balanced." This signing reflects Ajax’s approach to fortify their squad with seasoned players.
Notably, Rugani is among several Juventus players who are no longer part of coach Thiago Motta’s plans, alongside stars such as Federico Chiesa and Arkadiusz Milik. His loan to Ajax signals both the player’s shift to another league and Juventus's broader strategic adjustments.
Transitioning from Rugani's professional undertakings to his personal life, he is closely linked to Michela Persico, who is known as both his wife and successful television presenter. Since their relationship began, the couple has become notable figures off the pitch. They welcomed their first child, Tommaso, in 2020 and recently tied the knot, celebrating their commitment both publicly and privately.
Michela, who has cultivated her career as an actress and TV host, disclosed her dynamic with Rugani, explaining, "Sì! Ci tocca sopportarci ancora per un po'" (Yes! We have to endure each other for a little longer), she joked on Instagram following Rugani’s proposal during a concert. The heartfelt moment speaks volumes about their deepening bond.
Despite her growing fame on social media, with nearly three million followers, Michela has faced challenges balancing her career and personal identity as Rugani's partner. She candidly recalls, “It wasn’t looked upon favorably for a journalist to be dating a football player,” shedding light on her decision to step back from her role at Sport Mediaset to stabilize their family life.
Dedicated to their son and each other, Michela emphasizes her commitment to support Rugani's career wherever it leads, stating, "If he is happy, I am happy too." This sentiment captures the essence of their partnership—mutual support and growth, regardless of the changes life may bring.
Michela also provided insight on her entrepreneurial pursuits, mentioning her brand of swimwear, and how she is striving to showcase both beauty and work viability. Her social media presence often includes vibrant posts, highlighting her life as both a mother and entrepreneur, allowing her to connect with her audience on various levels. "Posto foto troppo spinte? Dico di non guardarle se danno fastidio" (Do I post too raunchy photos? I say don’t look at them if they bother you), she remarked humorously, demonstrating her charismatic and straightforward approach to her online presence and career.
With Rugani's fresh start at Ajax and the flourishing personal life with Michela, both are poised for exciting new chapters. They symbolize balance—she with her ambitious professional endeavors and he with his sporting aspirations. Together, they represent modern celebrity couple dynamics, blending fame, family, and individual goals seamlessly.
