MX23RW : Sunday, September 29 22:39:11| >> :60:230:230:

Andrea Pirlo: 'Rumours over Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus future are natural'

Pirlo: 'Rumours over Ronaldo's future are natural'
© Reuters
Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo accepts that rumours over Cristiano Ronaldo's future are "natural" in the wake of their heartbreaking Champions League exit.

Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo has admitted that speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo's future is natural after the Old Lady's Champions League exit.

Juve's European hopes were dashed for another year after Porto dumped them out in the last-16 stage, and following their elimination, Ronaldo's future has persistently been called into question.

The 36-year-old has been tipped to complete a sensational return to either Real Madrid or Manchester United, and while Pirlo accepts that such rumours are bound to be swirling, he has insisted his star attacker is "fine" after their European heartbreak.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Pirlo said: "Ronaldo is fine. It's natural he is disappointed by what happened the other night, as is everyone. He trained well and has recovered to play tomorrow night.

"It's natural there are rumours after the elimination, as he is the most important player in the world along with Lionel Messi. He has always done well for us, scoring 90-odd goals and more than proved his worth.

"The project started in recent years planned the enrichment of the squad with players of a certain pedigree. It's impossible to create a team just of young players. This was the initial project and it will be for the future as well."

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has struck 27 goals in 32 games across all competitions this season, and his deal in Turin is set to expire at the end of next season.

ID:439216:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect2134:

Cristiano Ronaldo future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Cristiano Ronaldo

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Juventus on March 9, 2021
Read Next:
Real Madrid 'open talks over Cristiano Ronaldo return'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Rams
18-24
Bears
FT
Eagles
16-33
Buccaneers
FT
Steelers
24-27
Colts
FT
Saints
24-26
Falcons
FT
Broncos
10-9
Jets
FT
Vikings
31-29
Packers
FT
Bengals
34-24
Panthers
FT
Jags
20-24
Texans
9.05pm
Patriots
@
49ers
9.05pm
Washington
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Chiefs
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Browns
@
Raiders
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool65011221015
2Manchester CityMan City6420146814
3Arsenal6420125714
4Chelsea6411157813
5Aston Villa6411129313
6Fulham632185311
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle632187111
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs6312125710
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton623110829
10Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest62316519
11Brentford6213810-27
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd621358-37
13Bournemouth512258-35
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham6123610-45
15Ipswich TownIpswich6042510-54
16Everton6114715-84
17Leicester CityLeicester6033812-43
18Crystal Palace603359-43
19Southampton501429-71
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves6015616-101


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!