The Portuguese forward is unconcerned about these rumours since he is solely focused on Euro 2020 preparations.
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Cristiano Ronaldo remained silent on transfer speculation amid reports linking him with a move away from Juventus. The Portugal forward was asked about his next move ahead of their Euro 2020 opener and the Juventus striker did not give much away. He said whatever happens this summer will be “for the best”, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are reportedly touted as potential destinations. He endured a difficult domestic season with the Serie A side after they struggled to finish in the top four.
The Portuguese star, however, was at his lethal best, scoring 29 league goals and finishing the season with 36 goals across all competitions. After being linked with a transfer in the upcoming summer transfer window, the 36-year-old refused to commit his future to the Italian side. Ahead of their Euro 2020 opener against Hungary, Ronaldo was asked if the rumours of linking him with moves away from the Italian side would affect him at the tournament.
“I have been playing at the highest level for many years this doesn’t faze me, maybe if I was 18 or 19 I might have had some sleepless nights, but I’m 36,” he replied. “Whatever comes will be for the best, regardless of staying at Juve or being transferred.
“The crucial thing now is the Euros, it is my fifth Euros, but for me it’s like my first Euros. We want to play a good match with good thoughts from the first to the last match.”
Juventus would want to figure out a way to sort out this issue as quickly as possible. Ronaldo will be out of contract in 2022. If they want to sell him, this would be the perfect opportunity for them to cash in on a prized asset before he becomes a free agent. At 36, it is still not clear for how long Ronaldo will be able to maintain his impressive form. Hence the upcoming summer window will be crucial for Ronaldo and Juventus.
Besides, Ronaldo was asked about how his current form compared to when he was younger. “On a personal level I’m not the same player I was 18 or 10 years ago, or even five years ago – we keep adjusting,” he said. “The most intelligent thing about a football player is the ability to adjust. I’m more mature and if a player wants to play for many, many years then they have to be able to adjust.
“The numbers speak for themselves, from 18 to 36 I’ve learnt to adjust and adapt and I’ve always been able to win and on an individual and collective level with the teams I have played for. I have adjusted all along in my career.”
Portugal are the defending champions in Euros, having beaten hosts France in the 2016 final to lift the trophy. Ronaldo would be determined to repeat the same this time around along with reaching few personal milestones. Among the most important personal goals for Ronaldo in Euro 2020 is to surpass Iran legend Ali Daei’s tally of 109 international goals.
