Pavel Nedved has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo will be a Juventus player next season despite reports suggesting he could seek a move away from the club in the summer.
And Nedved clearly still believes the Portuguese star is one of the best players in the world despite facing criticism in recent weeks.
Ronaldo was blasted by many for the part he played in Juve’s Champions League last-16 exit to FC Porto after he turned his back on the free-kick which ultimately knocked the Serie A giants out of the competition.
And there has been speculation the 36-year-old could look to depart at the end of the campaign, with some speculation linking him with a stunning return to Real Madrid.
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But Nedved, who is Juve’s current vice-chairman, has laughed off the reports, and has insisted he will stay at least one more season until his contract expires next year.
“For me, Ronaldo can’t be touched,” he told DAZN. “He has a contract until June 30, 2022 and will stay. What happens after that remains to be seen.
“Cristiano, both technically and in terms of image, pushed us towards the peak of football. On a technical level, you can’t fault him. He’s scored more than 100 goals in 120 games and he dragged us into the Champions League.
“We can criticise him – we all have to be open to criticism when we make a mistake – but to question his numbers and what he gives us in every game, for me, isn’t fair.”
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Nedved also thinks Ronaldo is far from the Prima Donna that some think, and believes he will be studied by lovers of the beautiful game for years to come.
“He’s a simple guy, even if it doesn’t seem like that from the outside,” he added.
“Kids will study his physique and his career. He’s the prototype of the modern player who, with immense talent and a lot of work, has achieved incredible goals.”
