Giorgio Chiellini did not hesitate to accuse Real Madrid of stopping Cristiano Ronaldo from winning the Ballon d'Or and giving it to Luka Modric: "Cristiano did not win the Ballon d'Or last year because Real Madrid did not want him to. They gave it to Modric because Real Madrid did not want it to be CR7."
Comments from the veteran Italian defender which have caused a lot of controversy in Italy, Therefore, Fabio Paratici, the Juventus sporting director, had to come out to explain Chiellini's comments.
"It's difficult to say whether they have taken a Ballon d'Or off Ronaldo, but there is no doubt some clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona have a lot of power," he said in comments made to 'La Gazzetta dello Sport'.
In addition, Paratici did not hesitate in confirming the continuity of the Portugal captain at Juventus: "Is Ronaldo staying? Of course. He is slightly annoyed because he is competitive and he wants to be on the pitch. He always wants to play and win everything."
On his injury, Paratici explained: "The knee problem is a lot to do with him. It's a habit. For him, it's very rare to get injured. In a year and a half I never saw him have headache. He lives with an annoying pain which does not let him train."
"It really irritates you. You will see when he can train at his rhythm, he will get back to his best. We are not at all worried. His presence has improved everyone at the club," he concluded.