Juventus

Ronaldo Wanted To Go To Napoli Not Juventus?

Cristiano Ronaldo wanted Napoli to be his next destination after leaving Real Madrid, but had to opt for his ‘plan B’ of Juventus after club president Aurelio De Laurentiis refused to spend big, according to reports.

It is claimed in Italy that the player had made a decision to leave Madrid and had focused on Serie A, with specific intentions of joining Napoli.

The free-flowing football of the Italian side earned the admiration of Europe’s elite last season, and a move would have seen Ronaldo reunited with manager Carlo Ancelotti after the veteran boss replaced Maurizio Sarri.

Napoli-based reporter Carlo Alvino broke the news, revealing:

‘Cristiano Ronaldo would be wearing the Napoli jersey today if the club had been able to spend €350m.’

‘Juve were Plan B for the Portuguese star. [Agent] Jorge Mendes has a strong rapport with Napoli and President De Laurentiis.

‘The agent offered him to Napoli, but as they wouldn’t pay that much, he turned to Juve instead.’

Ronaldo made clear his intentions to leave Madrid, despite still being under contract with a hefty release clause.

The Spanish side granted his wish to move on, and thanked the current Ballon d’Or holder for his services.

Ronaldo is set to be unveiled at the Allianz Stadium in front of the Juventus fans on Monday, July 16.

The Portugal superstar will then join up with his new team-mates for the pre-season tour of America, where he could be in line to make a debut against his former club Real Madrid.