Now that the Champions League groups are decided, ESPN FC’s Paul Mariner and Alexis Nunes predict the biggest winners and losers of the tournament.
Sid Lowe explains how Real Madrid have been able to start their season so hot without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Craig Burley says Cristiano Ronaldo’s goalless start for Juventus is of no concern, offering a reminder Ronaldo has a recent history of dry spells.
Juventus head coach Massimilano Allegri believes Cristiano Ronaldo needs more time to get used to his new surroundings following their 2-0 Serie A victory over Lazio.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has said it is “ridiculous” that his client did not win UEFA’s Player of the Year award.
Ronaldo, now of Juventus, was nominated after helping Real Madrid win their third successive Champions League title, but he and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah lost out to Luka Modric.
“Football is played within the four lines of the pitch and that’s where Cristiano won,” Mendes said. “He scored 15 goals, and carried Madrid on his back to win another Champions League. It’s just ridiculous; a disgrace. There is no doubt about the winner, he is the best in his position.”
The Portugal captain did manage to beat Salah to the UEFA Forward of the Season award.
Ronaldo was not at the award ceremony and Sergio Ramos, his former teammate at Real Madrid, said “we were surprised [that he left], but he does what he wants.”
Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer left this summer for Juventus after nine seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 33-year-old has won the last two Ballon d’Or awards and five in total.
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