Juventus preparing for life without Cristiano Ronaldo and want 35-year-old to become mentor to younger stars

JUVENTUS are preparing for life without Cristiano Ronaldo and want him to become mentor to their younger stars when he leaves

Ronaldo, 35, is still at the top of his game and plays an important role at for the Italian champions.

His fitness and dedication this season has blown away Juve boss Andrea Pirlo.

He said: "Ronaldo works very hard. He brings enthusiasm. You can notice it on the pitch as well.

"He started the season really well, I hope he will keep doing like this until the end of the season."

Despite his key role, Juve would like to lower the average age of their squad and Ronaldo falls into the older group.

The Serie A side are acutely aware of Ronaldo's value and would like him stay at the club in a mentoring role to their younger up and coming stars.

They might have trouble convincing the him to stay in that role as he plans to play until he's 40, according to Portugal boss Fernando Santos.

He said: "Cristiano is ready to play until he’s 40, but he doesn’t know if it will happen.

"At some point he may feel that he no longer has the same conditions.

"He’s not a player who will lower his level, when he feels like he can’t be Ronaldo, he won’t."

The Portugese ace will not be short on offers if he leaves Juve and was linked with a move to PSG this summer.

Juve on the other hand have shown their intention to bring in new blood by signing Federico Chiesa from Fiorentina.

Chiesa, 22, had also been on Manchester United's radar who saw him as a potential alternative to Jadon Sancho.