Massimiliano Allegri has removed all doubts concerning the future of Cristiano Ronaldo amid growing talks linking him with a Juventus exit. In an interview with Sky Sports, the new Bianconeri manager confirmed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is staying at the club despite recent rumors suggesting otherwise.
With less than a year left to run on Ronaldo’s €30m-a-year contract at the Allianz Stadium, Juventus face the risk of losing him on a free transfer come the summer of 2022. Therefore, some recent talks have suggested the record-time Serie A champions could be selling the 36-year-old superstar this time around.
Ronaldo was believed to be disappointed with Juventus’ campaign 2020/21 as their nine-year reign of dominance in Serie A came to a halt, with an underwhelming fourth-place finish. Yet, the Turin giants won both the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, with the Portugal captain topping the top-flight scoring charts with 29 goals in 33 outings.
Ronaldo has recently effectively shut down rumors linking him with a return to Real Madrid, taking to Instagram to dismiss speculations. The ex-Manchester United star costs Juventus around £52m per year, with Paris Saint-Germain among the sides interested in acquiring his services.
However, Allegri firmly denied reports about Ronaldo’s potential summer exit in the build-up to Juventus’ opening day trip to Udinese.
“He has never wanted to leave. He told me that he’s staying and he will be in Udine,” the Italian tactician told Sky Sports.
Ronaldo will be central to Allegri’s hopes of leading Juventus to old heights this term as the Bianconeri hope to immediately reclaim the Serie A title. The 54-year-old knows in-depth about establishing domestic supremacy, having led the Turin side to five straight league crowns during his first tenure.