Former Juventus chief calls Cristiano Ronaldo ‘challenging’ to work with as he opens up on three-year relationship
FORMER Juventus chief Beppe Marotta has admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo could be “challenging” to work with.
Ronaldo, 38, joined the Serie A giants in a £88million transfer in 2018 following a glittering nine-year spell with Real Madrid.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner spent three years in Italy, winning two league titles and scoring 101 goals in 134 appearances, before returning to Manchester United in 2021.
Although he enjoyed success in Turin, Marotta has revealed that his time at the Allianz Stadium wasn’t always plain sailing.
However, he also admitted that overall the forward had a positive impact on the squad.
Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio, the ex-Juventus chief said: “He was a very good player, he still is and above all he is a great champion.
“The champion is that person who manages to convey beliefs to his team-mates.
“He was a bit of a leader of the team, he was the most famous and he dragged the others into the game.
“So, it was challenging, but he didn’t make me angry.”
After leaving Juventus Ronaldo returned to Man Utd where he spent another 16 months.
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However, his time at Old Trafford was cut short at the end of 2022 when he criticised the club and manager Erik ten Hag in an explosive interview.
The Portugal captain subsequently joined Al-Nassr and has since scored 32 goals in 39 appearances.
He recently broke the record for the most first division goals scored in football history.