Cristiano Ronaldo’s €112 million (£101m/$130m) move from Real Madrid to Juventus is considered to be “odd” by former Bianconeri star Michel Platini.
Despite now being 33 years of age, the Portuguese superstar remains one of the most recognisable and fearsome frontmen in world football.
For that reason, the reigning Serie A champions were prepared to spend big bringing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner onto their books this summer.
Ronaldo’s sporting and commercial appeal remains without question, but Platini was still surprised to see him swap a standing as undoubted team talisman in Madrid for a fresh start in Turin.
The ex-France international, who spent five years with Juve during his playing days, told L’Equipe: “I think it’s odd that at 33 years of age he’s left ‘his’ Real Madrid, with whom he has won three Champions Leagues in a row, to try a new adventure.
“When I was 32 lots of teams wanted me, but I retired because I was tired.”
Ronaldo had hinted at making a move away from Madrid after helping Real to a third successive Champions League crown in 2017-18.
Few at that stage expected a deal to be put in place, with a modern day icon having just completed another goal-laden campaign in the Spanish capital.
It has been revealed by Ronaldo that Juve were the only option made available to him, despite there having been talk of a possible return to Manchester United or a switch to big-spending Paris Saint-Germain.
Platini was questioned how the switch to Turin was put in place, with it possible that a move was led by agent Jorge Mendes rather than the Bianconeri.
He added: “I can’t understand the move.
“I do not know if Juventus has contacted him or if it was Mendes who offered him, I cannot understand this operation.”
Having linked up with Juve, Ronaldo is still waiting on his first competitive goal for the club.
He has taken in two Serie A outings to date, with a third set to see him face Parma on Saturday.
Source : Goal
