Juventus provide update on Cristiano Ronaldo & Andrea Pirlo's future
By Max Cooper
Juventus vice president Pavel Nedved has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo will remain with I Bianconeri next season, while coach Andrea Pirlo will also be in the dugout for the 2021/22 campaign.
There have been plenty of question marks over the pair's future in recent months, after the Old Lady suffered the humiliation of a Champions League exit in the round of 16 against Porto, which proved a damning night for the aforementioned duo.
But Nedved reassured supporters in an interview with DAZN that both Ronaldo and Pirlo will still be in Turin next season, as the club looks to end its long drought without a Champions League trophy, and wrestle for the Serie A title once more.
When asked about Ronaldo's future, the vice president was quick to insist the Portuguese forward 'is untouchable', and will remain at the club until at least the end of his contract in 2022.
"Ronaldo, for me, is untouchable, he has a contract until June 30, 2022 and he will remain here. Then what happens next remains to be seen.
"Cristiano, both technically and in terms of image, gave us an impetus towards the Olympus of football. On a technical level, nothing can be said.
"He's scored more than 100 goals in 120 games, he dragged us into the Champions League, we can criticise him because we are all open to criticism and we have to accept criticism when we make a mistake. But questioning his numbers and what he shows in every match is not fair to me. He is a very normal guy, even if he doesn't look like it from the outside.
"Children will study his body and his career: the prototype of a modern player who, with immense talent and a lot of work, has achieved incredible things."
Speaking about Pirlo's future, Nedved admitted that the club knew there would be 'difficulties' in the early stages, but they are 'on the path they wanted', while backing the Italian to become 'a great coach.'
"Pirlo is and will be the Juventus coach, 100%. We committed to a project with Andrea, knowing the difficulties that there would be. We wanted to do something more but we didn't succeed, but the difficulties were foreseen.
"We have a new coach, with a very rejuvenated squad available. We are very calm, on the path we wanted and we'll remain on this path. He has everything to become a great coach, also because he becomes 'great' after 10, 15, 20 years of work in which everyone recognises your greatness for what you have won. Making promises after six months is difficult."
There have been many rumours surrounding Massimiliano Allegri and a possible return to the Allianz Stadium, and although Nedved 'was pleased' by the coach's recent words of praise regarding his successful time in Turin, the vice president says he has 'no regrets' over his exit.
"I was pleased with Max's words. He enjoyed some wonderful years with us, we shared joys and above all, he made history at Juve. I think our separation came naturally and for this reason there are no regrets."
So, both Juve's star player and their coach have been given the vote of confidence from the club's vice president. Despite their failings in Europe and the possible surrender of their Serie A crown, it looks as if they're here to stay - for the time being.