Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo insists there is no special treatment for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese superstar scored twice in the Bianconeri’s weekend win over Cagliari.
That double put the 35-year-old on eight goals in six games this term – during which he has also been sidelined with coronavirus -while he has scored 29 of the club’s 59 league goals during the calendar year.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is now fully fit, as are fellow forwards Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata; Dybala is back fit after injury, while Morata has scored six goals since returning to the club in September on loan from Atletico Madrid.
On Monday, Pirlo was asked about his trio, and most notably Ronaldo, whom he insists is not afforded any special treatment despite his huge salary and overall value to the club – notably its share price.
“I treat him like I treat all the other players,” he told a press conference. “I’m always available on and off the pitch.
(Image: NurPhoto/PA Images)
“It’s easy to have a good relationship between humble people. I’m like that.
“I behave with him – a champion – like I do with [Gianluca] Frabotta or [Manolo] Portanova, who are two young players.
“I do the same things I was used to doing when I was a player.”
With Ronaldo, Morata and Dybala all available, Pirlo is looking forward to being able to mix up his attack, as well as the possibility of fielding all three.
“Unfortunately, we never had them together in good condition [before now]. “We are thinking of different solutions.
“Dybala was injured, Morata wasn’t there right at the start, Ronaldo had Covid; they trained together for a few days.
“Now, we’ll try to balance the team, and then we’ll look for a solution to let them play together, if possible.”
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