Ronaldo leaves Juve alone against Atalanta: the truth about the forfeit | First page

Cristiano Ronaldo’s is not a diplomatic injury. But he was the one who pulled back in this case anyway. And the forfeit announced on the eve of the match against Atalanta was not particularly appreciated by the Juventus environment. Why the annoyance to the flexors accused in recent days, although real, it didn’t seem like such a big obstacle to prevent Ronaldo from facing the delicate challenge of Bergamo, or at least not to allow him to try to the end by participating in the finishing training and perhaps starting anyway with the team. A rest session was scheduled in one of these three matches to be played in a week, most likely expected against Parma or perhaps in Florence. Instead, in the morning, Ronaldo’s decision to stop came, communicated by Andrea Pirlo himself at a press conference before the last training session. A choice officially shared between the parties, but essentially made by Ronaldo and accepted by the Juventus staff. DECIDE TO HIM – A week that began amidst criticism after Juve-Genoa will end on the sofa, a match experienced by revealing a rather evident nervousness beyond the misunderstanding episode of the shirt thrown at a ball boy and then ended up on the ground. Ronaldo still had a personalized program on Wednesday, as did other teammates. Then in the group on Thursday and Friday in the hope and all in all in the belief of Pirlo that he would take the field with Atalanta. Finally, the flat rate on Saturday. Could he grit his teeth? Maybe yes. Did all Juve hope they could at least try? It seems so. Will he return to his place as soon as possible as if nothing had happened? Surely. On the other hand, for better or for worse, every circumstance makes us understand how in fact Ronaldo probably has more power than Juve, for sure he decides on himself. He decides when to play, so always or almost always. He decides when not to play, like in Bergamo despite the high stakes and Juve needing him. And so he will decide whether to stay or go away. With Juve waiting.–