“Ronaldo’s mission was Europe – and it failed. (…) Was it the last Champions League with Juve? “, Asked the Italian” Gazzetta dello Sport “after the Juve knockout against Porto in the Champions League round of 16 the question, which not so long ago was taken as an insult to majesty would have been.
But it is now clear: Cristiano Ronaldo (36), Juventus Turin and the Champions League – this triangular relationship does not work.
Actually, the exceptional footballer should be the crucial piece of the puzzle on the way to the long-awaited third premier class triumph Juves in the club’s history. The Italian series champion has been waiting for a title in the most prestigious of all European club competitions since 1996.
But after Ronaldo’s move to Juventus in the summer of 2018, the team was eliminated once in the quarter-finals and twice in the second round. The opponents were not Real Madrid, FC Barcelona or Manchester City, but Ajax Amsterdam, Olympique Lyon and now FC Porto. That also causes frustration.
Ronaldo can no longer feel much of the glamor of earlier days, when the Portuguese celebrated five Champions League titles with Manchester United and Real Madrid.
In Italy there is now speculation that the superstar’s contract, which expires in 2022, will not be extended, or that there will be a separation this summer. When asked about Ronaldo, Turin’s sports director Fabio Paratici was not exactly enthusiastic, but said rather soberly. “Ronaldo? Luckily we have a year left and we have time to speak to him if necessary. His contract extension is not on the agenda now. “
That no longer sounds like a love affair. And maybe a breakup would actually be best for both parties. For Ronaldo, who is already 37 years old at the Champions League final next year, there are not many opportunities left to win the premier class again. With Juve, all experts are certain, the chances of this are more than bad.
After the quarter-finals
Crazy press conference! Porto-Coach withdraws after 40 seconds
Quelle: Stats Perform
–
–
A departure from Ronaldo would also be positive for the “old lady”. From a sporting point of view, it would be a new beginning without the star that outshone everything, on whom the team was often far too dependent. In addition, the club would save a lot of money, Ronaldo’s salary is said to be around 31 million euros per year.
But where could Ronaldo go? For most clubs, the 2016 European champions are simply too expensive.
Paris Saint-Germain would be an option. However, the French are openly vying for Barça superstar Lionel Messi (33). At least sporting director Leonardo (51) admitted to the club’s own broadcaster “PSGTV” that Ronaldo would always be an option: “Maybe Cristiano Ronaldo wakes up one morning and says he wants to play somewhere else. And who can buy it? It’s a small group and PSG is one of them. It’s all about possibilities and situations. “
The (financial) possibility of a Ronaldo commitment would certainly also have his ex-club Manchester United. Between 2003 and 2009, the Portuguese wore the “Red Devils” jersey and became a superstar for them. In November last year, the English media reported that ManUnited would not be averse to a deal. But nothing more has been heard of it since then.
You’ll be laughing your head off!
Suuuuper Poldi saying after Jogi quake
Source: BILD
–
–
The same goes for Real Madrid. Los Blancos are said to still be Ronaldo’s heart club. Every now and then there are rumors in the Spanish media about a possible return. Concrete evidence of a real interest of the Madrilenians: Nothing …
There has also been frequent speculation about a move to North America for Major League Soccer (MLS). It is documented that the former England star and current club owner David Beckham (45) would like to see Ronaldo with his team Inter Miami.
It is quite possible that the Portuguese will actually move to the USA at the end of his career. In view of his fitness and his unbroken ambition, however, this should take a while.
– .
