Cristiano Ronaldo has been dropped to the Juventus bench for their opening Serie A fixture against Udinese because he wants to leave the club.
Much has been made of Ronaldo’s future this summer with his contract in Turin expiring next summer. The free-spending Paris Saint-Germain expressed an interest earlier in the transfer window, but it’s believed that any move would come after Kylian Mbappe departs – likely to Real Madrid – at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
Speaking of whom, Los Blancos emerged as another potential destination for the Portuguese great, but manager Carlo Ancelotti was swift to shun rumours of any potential reunion occurring this summer.
So, with several buyers seemingly out of the picture, it appeared that Ronaldo would stay at Juventus for another season at least. However, the latest revelation as the teams were announced for the trip to Udinese has once again thrust Ronaldo’s future at the club into serious doubt.
Ronaldo wants to leave
Ronaldo’s omission from Massimiliano Allegri’s XI was certainly a surprise, although some reported that it was for tactical reasons immediately after the lineups were announced.
However, Fabrizio Romano understands that the 36-year-old specifically requested to be named among the substitutes because he hopes to find a solution regarding his future in the coming days. He wants to leave, essentially.
Romano added that Juve are yet to receive an official bid for the player, while vice-president Pavel Nedved remains confident that Ronaldo will remain at the club: “We’ve decided together with Ronaldo. It’s normal. Ronaldo will 100% stay.
“Do not look for sensational things when there aren’t any. It was a joint decision with the coach because we’re at the start of the season and it is normal that he’s not fully fit,” he added (via Get Italian Football News).
Despite Nedved’s confidence, it’s bound to be a fascinating conclusion to the transfer window in Turin. Will PSG and Real Madrid reignite their interest in Ronaldo, or will a surprise buyer – if any – manifest? Right now, it appears difficult for Ronaldo to find his desired solution.