Real Madrid president Florentino Perez touted a potential return for Cristiano Ronaldo at the club in 2019 - and the superstar may even now be keen on the move, according to reports.
The 36-year-old left the Bernabeu in 2018 and was widely touted to be the man to finally lead Juventus to a much-elusive Champions League trophy, although his three-year spell has fallen short of lofty expectations.
And, amid increasing reports of Madrid swooping in for their former talisman, AS have reported on a positive past exchange between Ronaldo and Perez.
The two met for the first time since the Portugal international headed to Turin in July 2019 for an awards ceremony. The event is claimed to have partially fuelled Ronaldo's desire to return to the Spanish capital.
Both men were able to chat freely during, and after, the lavish event - and Perez wasted no time in teasing Ronaldo with the idea of signing him once again.
The player is said to have jibed back by saying 'no longer', although the Madrid chief would not be dissuaded in his hopes of securing yet another pulsating chapter in Ronaldo's career.
Now, following the former Manchester United forward's mixed time in Italy, it is claimed he would be open to returning to Madrid.
AS have highlighted the struggles of both clubs across the last three seasons - with Madrid having hired three different coaches since Ronaldo's shock departure.
It falls to Perez to decide whether the comeback will happen, but the 74-year-old businessman previously claimed that Ronaldo's return would always be welcome.
Juventus are prepared to accept just £25million for Ronaldo this summer after the club crashed out of Europe once again at the last-16 hurdle in a boost to Madrid.
Corriere dello Sport, via Football Italia, believe that the Old Lady will hold out for at least that figure to avoid a capital loss.
His hefty £28m per year salary may prove an obstacle for his next move, however, although AS insisted earlier this week that Ronaldo is keen for a Madrid swansong.
Ronaldo helped the club to four Champions League titles in just five seasons, and also secured two LaLiga titles during the trophy-laden stay.
The veteran ace netted 450 goals in 438 appearances across all competitions.
Brightberry
653
To be the best Media most talk about you, people blame CR7 for Champions League Exit, I ask myself why, then I realise that CR7 is the best that why people always blame him when things go wrong, if you are not blame when things go wrong in your team that means you are not the best, CR7 you are the best and you will always be” where ever you go my support my will always go with you!!! GOAT of all season 🐐🙇♂️
Bomdlmpu
642
juventus has a good defence and no doubt a good attack too but they lack in creativity and in mid area.. midfielders cannot make balls for the forwards and that's why they were so dependent on ronaldo.They should sign a good mid fielder and give dybala a chance to play as an attacking mid..
FaithEvans
505
The expectation and the reality
PIntuHaldar
8
To be the best Media most talk about you, people blame CR7 for Champions League Exit, I ask myself why, then I realise that CR7 is the best that why people always blame him when things go wrong, if you are not blame when things go wrong in your team that means you are not the best, CR7 you are the best and you will always be” where ever you go my support my will always go with you!!! GOAT of all season 🐐🙇♂️
football is never a one player game....failures of the 2 GOATs teaches us this..