Cristiano Ronaldo has been the subject of multiple transfer rumors this past summer regarding his alleged intention to leave Juventus before the natural end of his contract in 2022, but his intentions seem to be clear now.
Yet another European disappointment, with Juventus crashing out of the Champions League much earlier than expected, as well as a troubled relationship with coach Maurizio Sarri, seemed to be pushing the Portuguese star away from Turin during the last transfer market session.
But many things have changed in the past few months at Juve, starting with the sacking of Sarri and the unexpected promotion of Andrea Pirlo to head coach of the Bianconeri. The good relationship with Pirlo seems to be one of the key motivators in Ronaldo’s intention to honor his contract until the end.
According to a piece published today on Turin-based sports daily Tuttosport, CR7 was favorably impressed by Pirlo’s enthusiasm, as well as by his football credo and ideas. Not that he needed any push, but there might a bit of Pirlo’s in the Portuguese’s astounding start of the season.
Ronaldo scored eight goals in five Serie A appearances so far, including a brace in Saturday night’s demolition of Cagliari – in what was arguably the best performance of an Andrea Pirlo Juventus so far. This is the best start of a season CR7 has enjoyed since he moved to Italy in the summer of 2018.
Before the game with Cagliari, Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo’s firm intention to stay in Turin until the end of his contract.
“I can assure you that the future of Cristiano is at Juventus,” he said to DAZN. “Obviously, news about interested teams come out every day, but we don’t pay attention to that.”
It doesn’t seem to be a case, indeed, that rumors concerning the future of the 35-year-old have been dwindling and were progressively replaced by speculations regarding the possible departure of Paulo Dybala.
Cristiano Ronaldo seems really set to stay where he is, perhaps to continue enjoying his incredible battle with another “Benjamin Button” like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and to play his chances at the Italian top-scorer title. And, of course, at the Champions League.