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Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Juventus until 2022 due to Pirlo relationship
Paul Macdonald
- Updated: 20 May 2021 11:26 BST
- 3 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo is more likely than ever to see out his contract with Juventus because he has developed a close relationship with head coach Andrea Pirlo.
Juve’s uncertain financial situation amid the coronavirus pandemic had prompted speculation they would struggle to pay the Portugal international’s wages until his contract expires in June 2022.
Paris Saint-Germain have been among a host of European clubs linked with a move for Ronaldo, with rumours of a move elsewhere increasing during the international break.
Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici addressed the Ronaldo speculation at the weekend by insisting his future was with his current club.
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And a report from Tuttosport on Monday suggested the forward, who turns 36 in February, was increasingly unlikely to end his stay a year early.
While they had known each other from Pirlo’s playing days, the relationship between the coach and Ronaldo reached a new level after his appointment.
Dubbed by the report as love at first sight, Ronaldo was impressed by Pirlo’s humility and ideas after their first meeting in the summer, and that bond has only strengthened since.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is now determined to help Pirlo mark his first year in charge of the Italian champions with silverware, while the coach has been equally impressed by his player’s famed work rate and dedication.
Cristiano Ronaldo back with a bang against Cagliari
Ronaldo marked Juventus’ first match after the international break with a match-winning performance at home to Cagliari on Saturday.
He netted twice in the space of four first-half minutes as his side recorded a 2-0 win in Serie A.
Ronaldo’s first goal after 38 minutes was set up by Alvaro Morata, with whom he has struck up an effective partnership, before Merih Demiral created the second.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has now scored in five consecutive league matches.
Ronaldo has eight goals in total and a superb 8.1 FootballCritic rating that is good for third best in Serie A.
Juve are four points behind early leaders AC Milan. Next up is a Champions League encounter at home to Ferencvaros on Tuesday.
