Cristiano Ronaldo transfer rumours are just normal uproar, says Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo

Cristiano Ronaldo was criticised for a disappointing Champions League performance after the Serie A champions Juventus were eliminated by Porto on away goals, their second consecutive last 16 exit in the competition. Their early exit this season led to speculation in the Spanish press that the forward could return to former club Real Madrid. Andrea Pirlo has played down the reports.

Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo says rumours that Cristiano Ronaldo could leave the club were to be expected after the Italian side's Champions League exit to Porto on Tuesday.

Juventus' quarter-final appearance in 2018/19 is the furthest they have gone in the Champions League since signing Ronaldo for €100m in 2018.

"It's normal that he's disappointed by what happened the other night, like the rest of the team," Pirlo told a news conference.

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"It's normal to have rumours. He's the most important figure in football and he's always being talked about. But let's remind ourselves that he's always done well, scoring around 90 goals for Juventus, and has demonstrated his value.

Failing to score in a match can happen, just like it can happen to others. But more of an uproar is made about him.

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Juventus have won the last nine Serie A titles, but their period of domestic dominance is at risk of ending this season. They sit third in the table, 10 points behind Inter Milan, although they have a game in hand over the leaders.

Pirlo's side travel to struggling Cagliari on Sunday on league duty as they look to move on from the disappointment against Porto. They also have a Coppa Italia final against Atalanta coming up on May 19.

"In my career I've been through a lot of moments like this because I've won a lot but I've also lost a lot," Pirlo said.

"I always tried to restart with great enthusiasm despite the great disappointment. We will do the same tomorrow, because we're in March and still have 13 league games and a Coppa Italia final ahead of us."

RONALDO COMMITTED TO JUVENTUS

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo said on Saturday he remains focused on winning trophies with the Italian champions.

"True champions never break!" Ronaldo said on Instagram, with a photo of him training ahead of Sunday's Serie A game away to Cagliari.

"Our focus is already in Cagliari, in the Serie A struggle, in the Italian Cup final and in everything that we can still achieve this season.

"History can't be deleted, it's written every single day with resilience, team spirit, persistence and lots of hard work."

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