Patrice Evra believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s desire to be ‘loved and respected’ was the driving factor in him leaving Juventus and returning to Manchester United.
The Portuguese star made his grand return to Old Trafford late on during the summer transfer window, having spent three years in Turin after swapping Real Madrid for Serie A.
Ronaldo maintained his reputation as one of the world’s greatest-ever players during his time in Italy, helping Juventus to two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia and a couple of Supercoppa victories.
Since his departure though, the 36-year-old has faced some criticism from his former team-mates, as well as Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli, after an underwhelming final season.
Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini have both aimed digs at Ronaldo, with the former saying: “We had lost this characteristic [playing as a team] from Juve, we were playing with a great champion like Ronaldo and we wanted to put him in a position to always do well, thinking he could solve all the matches.
“This year we are rediscovering that right humility that it serves to regain victory.”
Chiellini added: “Had he gone away on August 1, we would have had time to prepare better.”
Former United and Juventus defender Evra though believes Ronaldo’s decision to leave Italy came due to him being made a “scapegoat” for the Turin giants’ poor form last season.
Speaking to La Repubblica, Evra said: "He needs love and respect.
"He had understood that in Turin, he was becoming the scapegoat for Juventus’ bad results.
"However, many forget that it’s not easy to win in Serie A. [Andrea] Agnelli’s target is to win the Scudetto every year, not the Champions League."
Evra added: "Allegri’s words also had a role in Ronaldo’s exit.
"He said 'Ronaldo won’t play all games,' there’s no reason to say it publicly, just keep it private because Cristiano is affected from things like this."
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