Massimiliano Allegri, the Juventus coach, and Pavel Nedved, the club's vice president, were both determined to play the issue down. But after Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the bench for Sunday’s Serie A-opening match against Udinese, the rumors and reports that he is seeking a move away from the club have only gained in credibility.
Italian media were adamant that Ronaldo had asked not to start the game, leading inevitably to suggestions that he was seeking to protect his fitness before a potential move.
"We mustn't try to create sensational stories where there aren't any," Nedved told DAZN in response.