Ronaldo's future is in Turin, says Juventus MD Fabio Paratici

Juventus managing director Fabio Paratici has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains in Turin amid media speculation he could leave the club at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old Portugal striker was linked with a return to Real Madrid, who he left to join Juve in 2018, by some Spanish media outlets this week after the Italians suffered Champions League elimination.

Juventus were knocked out by Porto on away goals following a 4-4 aggregate draw on Tuesday in the last-16, the same stage of the competition in which they were eliminated at last season by Olympique Lyonnais, also on away goals.

When Paratici was asked by Sky Italia if Ronaldo represented the future of Juventus, he said: “Without doubt”.

Read | Ronaldo exit rumours just normal uproar, says Juventus coach Pirlo

Ronaldo came in for criticism for his performance against Porto, whose decisive goal came from a free kick that went through his legs as he turned in the wall, with the front page of Wednesday’s Corriere dello Sport saying “Betrayed by Ronaldo”, but Paratici defended Juve's key player.

“It makes me laugh, I never would’ve thought Ronaldo could be put up for discussion,” he said.

“We’re talking about a player who is the current top scorer in Serie A and has won five Ballon d’Or awards.

“He has already won a lot of titles with us and it’s a privilege for to have him in our squad.

"We will hold onto him and enjoy him as much as possible. We’re very happy to have him with us.”