Juventus are in rebuild mode under new manager Andrea Pirlo and this season there have been a lot of growing pains. Nonetheless, Juve sit fourth in Serie A and if a few results go their way, they could finish second, or in worst case scenario they could end up out of the Champions League next season.
That uncertainty has the board at Juventus and their superstar forward, Cristiano Ronaldo pondering what things will look like next fall. According to reports from Tuttosport, if Juventus were to fail to qualify for the Champions League next season, then CR7 would most likely begin the process to leave the Italian side.
Ronaldo by his standards is having a sensational season with 25 goals in 29 league games and 32 goals in 35 games total. Ronaldo always sets the bar high and at 36 the global soccer superstar will want one last crack at the Champions League.
Why would Cristiano Ronaldo leave Juventus if they don’t qualify for the Champions League?
Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus in action against Martin Caceres (Getty)
The report from Italy suggests that without the cash flow that would come into the club from qualifying to European club soccer’s marquee event, that Ronaldo’s salary, an estimated €60 million, would be too much on Juventus books to handle.
As for Ronaldo, the five-time Champions League winner, has also stated publicly that he wants to win one more Champions League before he retires and at 36, time seems to be running out, especially if he would need to play one whole season away from the competition.
Since his arrival at Juventus, Ronaldo has won two Italian league titles and two Italian Super Cups, but the initial idea was to win a Champions League with the five time Ballon d’Or winner.
If Ronaldo were to leave Juventus, his possible suitors would be few and far between. The report suggests that in Europe, Ronaldo’s only options would be a return to Manchester United or a move to PSG, although the latter seems doubtful considering PSG may make a move for Lionel Messi.
The third option would be a move to MLS, but that would take Ronaldo out of the UEFA Champions League fold, although the challenge to continue soccer’s growth in the United States may be one too good to pass up.
