Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus looks on during a friendly against Atalanta BC at Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, August 14, 2021. /CFP
Cristiano Ronaldo will stay in Juventus for the 2021-22 Serie A season, said the club's manager Massimiliano Allegri at a press conference on Saturday.
"Cristiano has always trained well and has never expressed his desire to leave Juventus. He told me that he's staying, so we can clear that one up," said Allegri.
It has been three seasons since Ronaldo joined "The Old Lady" during which he's scored 101 goals in 133 appearances for the team, winning two Serie A championships, one Coppa Italia title and two Supercoppa Italiana trophies.
However, his future with the team has been anything but certain for a number of reasons. Juventus won no championships in the 2020-21 season, the Portuguese player is already 36 years old and at 30.1 million euros (about $35.2 million), his salary is substantial in Serie A. On top of that, he only has one year left of his contract.
That's why there has been speculation that he might leave Juventus before the 2021-22 season started. El Chiringuito, a Spanish late-night TV show, even reported that the Portuguese super star may return to Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Juventus and manager Massimiliano Allegri talk to each other during practice session in Turin, August 11, 2021. /CFP
Ronaldo has hit back at the swirling rumors on Instagram.
"Anyone who knows me is aware of how focused I am on my work. Less talk and more action, this has been my guiding motto since the start of my career. However, in view of everything that's been said and written recently, I have to set out my position," he wrote.
"More than the disrespect for me as a man and as a player, the frivolous way that my future is covered in the media is disrespectful to all the clubs involved in these rumours, as well as to their players and staff. My story at Real Madrid has been written. It's been recorded. In words and numbers, in trophies and titles, in records and in headlines. It's in the Museum at the Bernabeu Stadium and it's also in the minds of every fan of the club."
"I remember that in those nine years I had a relationship of deep affection and respect for 'merengue aficion,' an affection and respect that I retain to this day, and that I will always cherish. I know that the true Real Madrid fans will continue to have me in their hearts, and I will have them in mine."
Cristiano Ronaldo (C) of Juventus leaves for Udine at Turin airport in Turin, Italy, August 21, 2021. /CFP
Ronaldo did not play for Juventus in the training game against the Juventus youth team because, according to Allegri, he needed to recover from "a heavy training workload."
"[He] is an added bonus for us, because he guarantees a large number of goals. Obviously, we also have to work as a team to get the best out of an individual," said Allegri of Ronaldo.
Juventus are challenging Udinese Calcio at Stadio Friuli on Sunday in their first game of the 2021-22 Serie A season.