Juventus director Maurizio Arrivabene has admitted his shock at Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Manchester United last summer.
The Portuguese superstar returned to Old Trafford in August after a 12-year absence, in which time he won four Champions League crowns and two La Liga titles with Real Madrid as well as two Serie A trophies with Juve. Ronaldo is United’s top goalscorer this season with 18 goals in all competitions, with his hat-trick against Tottenham in his side's last league outing helping them to a vital three points.
The 37-year-old has come in for some criticism since relocating back to Manchester, with some supporters arguing that his on-field and off-field attitude is having a negative impact on the rest of the squad. But Arrivabene said Ronaldo’s behaviour was not disruptive prior to his exit, to the extent where he believed the attacker would stay at Juventus.
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Speaking to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, he explained: “I saw a motivated Ronaldo on the first days of the pre-season. I thought he’d stay, but then he took a different decision and we know what happened."
There had been rumours that Ronaldo was on his way to Manchester City but ultimately it was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who signed him on a two-year deal. United are now outsiders to finish in the top four while City are going for their fourth title in five years.
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