Cristiano Ronaldo WAS dropped for Juventus’ season opener, confirms Allegri amid claims he asked to start on bench

CRISTIANO RONALDO was BENCHED for Juventus' Serie A clash against Udinese on Sunday.

And head coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed HE made the decision not to start the 36-year-old.

It follows previous reports that suggested Ronaldo had asked not to start the game with rumours swirling regarding an exit from the Turin club.

But Allegri told DAZN: "Ronaldo is feeling well. I had talked to him before the game, telling him he would start on the bench.

"He made himself available, he did well when he entered the pitch, he also scored a goal, but it was disallowed."

Ronaldo was introduced by Allegri in the 60th minute of the Udinese clash.

And the Portuguese superstar thought he had scored a dramatic 95th minute winner, ripping his shirt off in celebration after believing he'd made it 3-2 to the Old Lady.

But VAR ruled out the goal for offside meaning Juve's start to the 2021/22 campaign was not a winning one.

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Ronaldo has just one year remaining on his £25million-a-year contract and has been linked with a move away from the Allianz Stadium in recent days.

Former club Real Madrid have been mentioned as the five time Ballon d'Or winner's next destination.

But Ronaldo himself slammed Spanish reports linking him with a return to Real Madrid.

However this latest development in Ronaldo's transfer saga has fuelled even more rumours on his future.

A sensational move to PSG to join up with Lionel Messi has also been speculated.

Juventus vice-president Pavel Nedved has been eager to play-down any rumours, telling DAZN: "We mustn't try to create sensational stories where there aren't any.

"It was a decision shared with the player. At the start of the season, naturally he is not at top fitness.

"The coach is trying to use the best line-up at this moment.

"I can absolutely confirm Ronaldo will remain at Juventus this season."

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