Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Juventus, says manager Massimiliano Allegri
By Ben Church, CNN
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to leave Juventus this season, manager Massimiliano Allegri said in a news conference on Friday.
The Portuguese forward joined the Italian club on a four-year deal for a reported $117 million transfer fee in 2018 but has less than one year left on his current contract.
“Yesterday, Cristiano told me that he no longer has any intention to play for Juventus. For this reason he will not be called up for tomorrow’s game,” Allegri said.
“Things change, it’s a law of life. Juventus remains, which is the most important thing.
“Cristiano gave his contribution, he made himself available, now he leaves and life goes on.”
Allegri did not specify where Ronaldo would go next.
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Where next?
Ronaldo won the Serie A title in his first two seasons with the Old Lady but has been unable to lead the Italian club to the Champions League title — a competition he won four times with Real Madrid.
Juventus finished fourth last season and speculation over Ronaldo’s future has been swirling ever since.
Despite no official comment, multiple media reports have linked Manchester City with a move for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
However, the 36-year-old last played in the English Premier League for City’s fierce rivals Manchester United.
He scored 84 Premier League goals during his six-year stay at Old Trafford, winning three league titles and one Champions League while at the club.
During Euro 2020, Ronaldo equaled the all-time international goalscoring record of 109 international goals set by Iran’s Ali Daei.
A move to City would also see Ronaldo under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, who has repeatedly praised Ronaldo’s rival Lionel Messi as the best player in the world.
The-CNN-Wire
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