Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has admitted he did not have a chance to speak to Cristiano Ronaldo or convince the Whites icon to stay this summer.
Ronaldo joined Juventus in a €99m deal on July 10 before former Spain manager Lopetegui kicked off pre-season preparations with his new team.
Lopetegui was of course appointed as Real coach ahead of the World Cup following his infamous La Roja sacking but did not get the chance to talk to Ronaldo – and was essentially informed of the Portugueses’s desire to leave the Bernabeu as he signed on the dotted line.
He said: “I did not speak to him, it was a situation where he had already decided to leave and the club went along with this for a player who had been tremendous. They allowed this desire and restlessness that he had.
“I expressed from the start (the players I wanted). I thought the squad was fantastic, the players are very good in all areas of the pitch and capable to compete for titles.”
