It’s not often when you have someone related to Juventus, talk about Cristiano Ronaldo in a positive light. Despite his amazing run with the club from 2018 to 2021, things soured between the player and the club after Ronaldo forced his way out of the Italian soccer club. It left many players and staff frustrated with how things unfolded, and they spoke out against the Portuguese skipper. However, not everyone is in the same boat!
Former Juventus star Merih Demiral described his time in Turin alongside Cristiano Ronaldo while praising him for his guidance. Demiral presently plies his trade for Al Ahli after following Ronaldo’s footsteps to Saudi Arabia.
Talking about Cristiano, the Al Ahli star stated, “Cristiano was special to me from the first days we met. He gave me a lot of advice on and off the field. When I wanted to leave Juventus because of competition from Chiellini, Bonucci, and De Ligt, he stopped to talk to me for an hour, explaining very simply that I should stay because training with the champions would make me grow.”
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لماذا رونالدو؟
🗣️ديميرال:
"كان كريستيانو مميزاً بالنسبة لي منذ الأيام الأولى التي التقينا فيها قدم لي الكثير من النصائح داخل وخارج الملعب ، عندما أردت مغادرة يوفنتوس بسبب المنافسة من كيليني وبونوتشي ودي ليخت توقف للتحدث معي لمدة ساعة موضحاً ببساطة كبيرة أنني يجب أن أبقى لأن… https://t.co/AtAv30CDg6 pic.twitter.com/JZGXZm4rAb
— موسى (@MousaQi) May 15, 2024
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Demiral added he and the Al Nassr skipper still have a close bond and talk from time to time. The defender stated, “I did as Cristiano said, and I am happy. Ronaldo and I are still talking here in Saudi Arabia. He is my friend and a reference point.”
Cristiano and Demiral built a great friendship during their time at Juventus. It was also reported Cristiano Ronaldo was keen on taking the player with him to Manchester United. However, a deal failed to materialize with Juventus, displeased with how things turned out with the Portuguese’ transfer.
Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo’s legal battle comes to an end!
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The Italian club was hit with a massive setback earlier last month with a higher court ruling in Cristiano Ronaldo’s favor in their wage dispute. Cristiano had sued the club for withholding his wages from the time during the pandemic. While Juventus claimed the player had signed a no dues before his departure, the court stated the wage agreement was from a different period and the no-dues contract did not stand in the scenario.
With the dispute settled, Cristiano Ronaldo will probably receive $20 million from the club in the coming months. Juventus has decided not to pursue the case further and will stand with the court’s decision. What are your thoughts on the court’s ruling on the case? Sound off in the comments below.