Amid the reports that Cristiano Ronaldo could make the move from Juventus back to Barcelona this summer, representatives of the Portuguese superstar downplayed the possibility of a comeback to La Liga for Ronaldo. The striker is focused on winning games and titles for the Turin club despite suggestions he is up for offloading.
Guillem Balague, described as an expert on Spanish football, made the claim Juventus had shopped around for possible takers of Ronaldo. The analyst said the Italian giants are looking to sell the star to be free of his high salary and made overtures to different clubs, which included Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
"Juventus wants to get rid of his wage, he's been offered everywhere including Barcelona," Sport Bible reported Balague as saying.
He added that Juventus gave instructions for Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo's agent, to find a suitable transfer partner. Mendes reportedly contacted Real Madrid and some MLS clubs for possible deals before the list was whittled down to PSG and Barcelona.
While unconfirmed, the insinuation created ripples in the football world as the prospect of Ronaldo joining up with the Catalans seemed unlikely but exciting at the same time. For one, the Barca roster has Lionel Messi and is considered the closest rival of the Juve star.
The two are far from feuding but El Clasico matches featuring Barcelona and Real Madrid captured the imagination of football fans around the world with Messi starring for the Barca side and Ronaldo leading Los Blancos.
It seemed exciting that the superstars will play on the same side but odd as well. However, the scenario that Balague has suggested is nothing new. In recent months, talks of Pep Guardiola taking charge of the Old Lady surfaced, and the Spanish coach was thought of attracting Messi to his side.
But the picture of Messi and Ronaldo wearing Juventus shirt did not materialize, which likely will be the same case for the latest dreamed up pairing of the two stars.
The Mirror reported that the chance is nil for Ronaldo to make the switch and sign with the Catalonian side. The Juve striker is happy with his situation at Turin and the same goes for his family, said the report, citing a story published by Spanish publication AS.
As things stand at the moment, Ronaldo's camp indicated that leaving Italy is not in the cards for the player. His focus is to continue with the club and score his third Scudetto for the campaign next season.
While the Portuguese had expressed disappointment that Juventus exited early from the Champions League, he appeared confident that new coach Andrea Pirlo will steer the club to perform better in the seasons to come.
It is believed that Ronaldo is gunning to win sixth Champions League title next season and possibly his sixth Ballon d'Or too, which he intends to accomplish before retiring and while playing for Juventus.
