Nedved vows 'Juventus will always be there'

Pavel Nedved thanked Giuseppe Marotta for teaching him the ropes, but “we are all just passing through and Juventus will always be there.”

Cristiano Ronaldo won’t be taking part, as he sits out a one-match ban after his controversial red card in Valencia.

“We just have to accept it, he was suspended for a strange incident, but now we have to play against a side that many consider us favourites for, but I know how difficult this type of game is,” director Nedved told Sky Sport Italia.

On Saturday there was a huge shock when CEO Beppe Marotta announced he would no longer be part of the club’s Board of Directors.

Even more surprising was the news that this is not his decision, but that of the club hierarchy.

“Marotta has been very important for our club and also for those of us who were learning to be directors under his guidance. I want to publicly thank him, because above all with me he was immensely helpful and explained so many things I didn’t understand.

“It’s difficult without Marotta, but Juventus go forward and we too are just passing through. Our day will come when we are no longer here, we just have to accept it and carry on, because Juventus will always be there.”