Former Juventus teammate Giorgio Chiellini recently suggested on a podcast that Cristiano Ronaldo wanted revenge on Real Madrid following his departure from the club in 2018. Ronaldo left Los Blancos after winning a fourth Champions League title and becoming the club’s all-time top scorer. President Florentino Perez sold Ronaldo to Juventus for a reported fee of €117 million, which represented a profit of more than €20 million from what he initially paid Manchester United to secure the forward in 2009. Despite his successful time in Turin, winning Serie A titles, Supercoppas, and the Coppa Italia, Ronaldo was unable to secure continental success with Juventus, failing to win the UEFA Champions League.
Ronaldo was essentially signed by Juventus to help the club secure their first Champions League title since 1996 after experiencing five consecutive final losses. However, he fell short of achieving this objective during his time with the Italian club. Chiellini praised Ronaldo’s personality during difficult times, stating that the Portuguese star wanted to prove he was stronger than all of Real Madrid. Ronaldo’s desire for revenge on Madrid for the manner of his departure was highlighted by the Spanish press, with reports suggesting that he was looking to show his former club what they had missed out on.
Following his spell at Juventus, Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in 2021 but failed to capture any silverware during his time at Old Trafford. After a falling out with manager Erik ten Hag, his contract was rescinded by mutual consent at the end of the following year. Now playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo’s chances of winning the Champions League again are slim. However, there have been reports of a possible return to Real Madrid, with Perez offering him a role behind the scenes at the Bernabeu. Despite his illustrious career, the opportunity to win another Champions League title may be out of reach for one of the greatest players of all time.
Throughout his career, Ronaldo has built a legacy as one of the greatest footballers in history, winning numerous awards and accolades. His time at Real Madrid saw him achieve incredible success, winning multiple Champions League trophies and setting records for the club. Despite his desire for revenge on Madrid after his departure, Ronaldo has not been able to secure the Champions League title with his subsequent clubs. His move to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League may signal the end of his European success, but a potential return to Real Madrid could offer him a chance at a new role within the club. Ronaldo’s career has been filled with ups and downs, but his impact on the world of football is undeniable, solidifying his place in history as a true legend of the game.
