Massimiliano Allegri reveals Cristiano Ronaldo has no intention of staying at Juventus

27 August 2021 14:45

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has said that Cristiano Ronaldo has informed him that he no longer wants to play for the club.

Ronaldo has been heavily linked with a move away from Turin in recent days, and a late transfer to Manchester City is on the cards.

90min understands Ronaldo is even willing to take a pay cut to facilitate a move to the Etihad Stadium, while the forward missed training on Friday as a deal edges closer.

And Allegri revealed in a press conference that the Portugal international indeed wants to leave Juventus and has been omitted from the squad ahead of their Serie A clash with Empoli.

"Yesterday, Cristiano told me that he no longer has any intention to play for Juventus. For this reason he will not be called up for tomorrow's game," Allegri said.

"Things change, it's a law of life. Juventus remains, which is the most important thing. Cristiano gave his contribution, he made himself available, now he leaves and life goes on.

"Cristiano is to be thanked for what he has done, also as an example amongst the youngsters. But as I said, we must go on."

Ronaldo had decided earlier this summer that the time was right to leave Juventus, though his desire to win the Champions League for a sixth time limited his possible destinations.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, approached Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City regarding a deal, and though both originally informed him that they were not interested, the Premier League champions are exploring a transfer.

City's stance changed after they admitted defeat in their pursuit of Harry Kane. There are still some obstacles to overcome in order to sign Ronaldo - he currently takes home £600,000 a week and City do not want him to earn more than their current highest paid player in Kevin De Bruyne, whose weekly wage stands at £380,000.

In fact, Ronaldo's wage at the Etihad could be as little as £250,000 a week and City do not want to pay a transfer fee. Mendes believes that if Ronaldo signs a two-year deal, the money City save from the reduced terms would then allow them to give Juventus the cash they are looking for to conclude a deal.

Source: 90min