After the disappointing early exit from the Champions League, criticism has been raining down on the Old Lady. From the management, to the coach, all the way to the players, everyone has received his share. However, Cristiano Ronaldo has been painted as the main culprit after his poor performance against Porto on Tuesday, which has sparked rumors regarding his exit from Juventus.
On Thursday, circulating news reports linked the Portuguese superstar with a move towards Paris Saint Germain in the upcoming summer transfer market.
Despite all the rumors, Nicola Legrottaglie expects the 36-year-old to remain at the club, and try his luck once again in the European competition.
The former defender featured for the Bianconeri between 2003 and 2011, and played a major part in the early post-Calciopoli years, when he formed a solid partnership with a young Giorgio Chiellini at the back.
The former Pescara manager gave his view on Juve’s European elimination in an interview with Radio Bianconera (via TuttoMercatoWeb).
“There is great disappointment after the exit from the Champions League, and the fans have certainly suffered the negative effect as Juventus have shown that they are still at a lower level than the other big teams.
“The disappointment is not only due to being eliminated, but because it happened at the hands of Porto, which isn’t considered to be a great team. It must be understood why a team like Juventus would go out in the second round against Porto,” wondered the 44-year-old.
“The rest is a part of the game, as the Champions League is different from the domestic competitions in Italy, and certainly some players did not give the support they should have given.
“This Juventus side cannot do without Ronaldo, as well as some tranquility in the defensive phase. Several goals had been granted to the opposition, therefore there’s something wrong in defense.
When asked if Ronaldo would leave Juventus in June, the former center back had a clear answer in his head.
“Knowing Cristiano, he isn’t one to run away. He will stay until he reaches his goal. He wants the Champions League and he will try at least for another year.
“Against Porto he performed badly, and was thus massacred by the critics. I think he won’t give up, as he’ll take on his responsibilities and will try to win the Champions League next year,” concluded Legrottaglie.