Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Juventus after the news broke that he had spent 40 minutes saying goodbye to his team-mates ahead of a potential move to Manchester United.
The 36-year-old – who was reported to have agreed terms with United’s rivals City on Thursday – arrived at the Juventus training ground at around 9:20am on Friday morning.
It is believed he stayed at the club for 40 minutes to bid his team-mates farewell before departing ahead of their team training session scheduled for later in the day.
Talks over Ronaldo’s move to City began less than 24 hours after Harry Kane’s potential move to Pep Guardiola’s side fell through.
But that deal has now also collapsed, with City giving up on signing the Portugal star, paving the way for United to bring him back to Old Trafford 11 years after he left.
Allegri confirmed Ronaldo’s interest in a transfer, saying: ‘Yesterday, Ronaldo told me that he no longer has any intention to play for Juventus.
‘He is not available for tomorrow’s match against Empoli. He’s going to look for a new club after three years here.’
According to Sky Sports, Ronaldo arrived at the Juventus training ground for a decisive day of talks at around 9:20am this morning.
Several fans were seen waiting outside the Juventus training ground to receive updates on the situation and beg their star striker to stay.
Ronaldo’s goodbye to his team-mates was said to be rather emotionless, with his only close friend at the club said to be the third choice goalkeeper, Carlo Pinsoglio.
It is believed Ronaldo lost his enthusiasm for staying with Juventus after their elimination from the Champions League last season.
He began leading a separate life to his team-mates, creating an irremediable break in his relationship with the squad.
With just a few days left of the transfer window, Ronaldo recognises the importance of pushing a deal through sooner rather than later. Therefore, he has taken matters into his own hands.
Sportsmail previously revealed how Ronaldo had cleared out his locker at Juventus after telling the Italian club he does not want to play for them anymore.
Ronaldo has also made himself unavailable to play for the Old Lady in their fixture against Empoli this weekend.
The news of Ronaldo’s potential departure has come as a blow to the fans, but it could be beneficial for the club as it would reduce their wage bill amid financial concerns.
Ronaldo has tried to push a return to England through by clearing out his locker at Juventus +8
Ronaldo has tried to push a return to England through by clearing out his locker at Juventus
News of Ronaldo’s potential move to City had come as a blow to the Manchester United fanbase, prior to news of their interest emerged on Friday.
United supporters were left feeling ‘angry’, ‘betrayed’ and ‘shocked’ by the decision as Ronaldo developed into the world class players he is today at Old Trafford.
However, they are likely to be thrilled by the u-turn which now sees the veteran on the brink of a stunning return to Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson saw Ronaldo’s potential from an early age – buying him as largely unknown player for £12.24m in 2003. He worked closely with the striker developing his skills before handing him his debut against Bolton at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo grabbed the attention of the fans with his stunning 30-minute performance – before going on to score eight goals in 39 appearances that season.
CR7 scored some stunning goals at Old Trafford during his career at the club and helped the Red Devils pick up several trophies before departing for Real Madrid in a deal worth £80m – making him the world’s most expensive player in 2009.
Source: Dailymail