Former Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta has offered insights into the complexities of working with Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo during his time with the Serie A club, reported by GOAL. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or recipient, made a headline-grabbing move from Real Madrid to Juventus in the summer of 2018, marking one of the final marquee signings orchestrated by Marotta before his departure. Despite Ronaldo's prolific on-field contributions—netting 101 goals in 134 appearances and securing two Serie A titles—Marotta acknowledges that the iconic player presented challenges off the field.

In an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, Marotta commended Ronaldo as a “great champion” and recognized his leadership role within the team. The Portuguese star's ability to inspire teammates and elevate their performance was evident, even if his behind-the-scenes demeanor proved demanding for those working closely with him. Marotta candidly stated, “He was challenging, but he didn’t make me angry.”

Reflecting on another challenging transfer negotiation, Marotta discussed the complexities surrounding the return of French midfielder Paul Pogba to Juventus in 2012. The negotiation was intricate due to Pogba's demand and interest from various clubs, given his prior association with Manchester United. Pogba, having rejoined Juventus in 2022, has faced injury setbacks and is presently serving a suspension for a failed drugs test.

While Ronaldo has moved on from Juventus, he continues to showcase his football prowess at the age of 38 with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Despite the occasional challenges working with such football giants, Marotta's tenure at Juventus reflects the intricate dynamics involved in managing iconic players.