BRUNO ALVES has joked he has been given permission to kick Cristiano Ronaldo next season – by the Portuguese superstar’s mother.

Ronaldo clinched his move from Real Madrid to Juventus after Portugal’s exit from the World Cup this month.

And he will go head-to-head with compatriot Alves after he signed for Parma following his release from Rangers.

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The pair have become close friends over the years and Alves is relishing the chance to play against his compatriot in Serie A.

He said: “I was invited to come along with Cristiano when he arrived in Italy by his agent Jorge Mendes.

“We had a meal and I told him about what to expect in Italy.

“What I can say is he will be a winner, just like he was at Manchester United and Real Madrid. He is highly motivated to do well and he will.

“It will be funny to play against him this season, but I have done it before when I was at Porto and we played United.

“In fact during our meal, I asked his mother if I had permission to kick him when we played this season... she agreed!

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“But it won’t make any difference to our friendship.”

Alves reached an agreement to rip up the final 12 months of his Ibrox deal after a poor campaign last term.

And the former Cagliari stopper is pleased to be back in Italy as he looks forward to the new season.

He said: “I am really looking forward to the challenge at Parma.

“Of course it will be tough as a side newly promoted to Serie A, but I am sure we will do well and I can’t wait to play for them.”