‘He’s Magnificent’ – Zidane Reacts To Ronaldo Return Rumours At Real Madrid

The Frenchman is reluctant to speculate on whether a deal could be put in place, but he remains a big fan of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner

Zinedine Zidane is reluctant to be drawn on rumours suggesting that Cristiano Ronaldo could be taken back to Real Madrid from Juventus, but the Blancos boss remains a big fan of the “magnificent” Portuguese.

Questions are being asked of how much longer the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be sticking around in Turin, with criticism aimed in his direction on the back of another disappointing last-16 exit for Juve in the Champions League.

Ronaldo, who is now 36 years of age, is also approaching the final 12 months of his contract in Italy, leading to reports that those at Santiago Bernabeu are being offered a chance to welcome a familiar face back onto their books.

What has been said?

Zidane told reporters when quizzed on the Ronaldo speculation: “You know what he is, what he has done and how much love we have for him.

“He made history here, he’s magnificent.

“Now, he is a Juve player and I cannot tell you anything about what they (media) are saying. He’s a Juve player and I have to respect these things.”

Ronaldo’s record at Real Madrid

A record-breaking transfer took Ronaldo to Madrid from Manchester United in the summer of 2009.

He hit the ground running in Spain and did not let up over an iconic nine-year stay that delivered a historic haul of 450 goals through 438 appearances.

An all-time great helped the Blancos to two La Liga titles while leading their line, while also claiming four Champions League crowns and three Club World Cup wins.