The five-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to Old Trafford in the summer, bringing an end to his three-year stint in Turin.
The 36-year-old was instrumental in helping Juventus win two Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia. Plus, he finished as Serie A’s leading goal scorer last season but failed to deliver the coveted Champions League.
Patrice Evra – who played for United and Juventus – believes his former teammate was unfairly criticised for Juventus’ poor performance and has come out to defend his former teammate and explain why Ronaldo left Turin.
“Because he needs love and respect,” Evra told La Repubblica.
“He understood that in Turin, he was becoming the scapegoat for Juventus’ poor results. However, many forget that it’s not easy to win in Serie A.
“I think the criticism toward him in Italy was ridiculous and hypocritical.
La mia intervista integrale (versione molto più estesa del giornale) a Patrice @evra su @repubblica.
Perché Chiellini è ancora arrabbiato con lui, perché Salvioni è un mito come Allegri e Ferguson, Marsala che lo salvò, la più bella qualità di Allegri.https://t.co/WJmt5uYNuC
— Antonello Guerrera (@antoguerrera) October 29, 2021
The the 40-year-old Frenchman also believes that Ronaldo was hurt by Juventus chairman Andrea Angelli’s public negative comments.
“Allegri’s words also had a role in Ronaldo’s exit, said Evra.
“He said ‘Ronaldo won’t play all games,’ there’s no reason to say it publicly, just keep it private because Cristiano is affected from things like this.”
Post-Ronaldo life hasn’t been any better for the Bianconeri as the club continues to stumble in the league. Despite the return of Max Allegri, Juventus find themselves in seventh place and 13 points behind table Serie A leaders Napoli.
