Cristiano Ronaldo was taken off in two of Juventus’ recent games by manager Maurizio Sarri. PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: 06:00, Mon, Nov 18, 2019 0 Cristiano Ronaldo explains injury truth behind Juventus spat amid Maurizio Sarri feud talk (Image: GETTY)
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has quashed talk that there was any controversy surrounding Maurizio Sarri’s decision to substitute him in recent games for the club.
Ronaldo was taken off during Juventus’ Champions League game with Lokomotiv Moscow.
Ronaldo was then hauled off during Juve’s clash with AC Milan and looked peeved by Sarri’s decision, despite Paulo Dybala, his replacement, going on to score the winner.
Sarri had explained that the decisions were based off a knee injury that Ronaldo had been playing with - but many believed there to be a larger problem at hand. Related articles Transfer news LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo requests Man Utd deal
But after Portugal’s clash with Luxembourg on Sunday, Ronaldo, who scored his 99th international goal during the game, dispelled any rumours that there was a rift between him and Sarri.
"For the last three weeks, I have been playing limited. There was no controversy, you create controversy," Ronaldo said.
"I don't like to be replaced, but I have been playing limited for the last three weeks. I tried to help Juventus, even playing injured.
"No one likes to be replaced, but I understand why – I was not well. Cristiano Ronaldo explains injury truth behind Juventus spat amid Maurizio Sarri feud talk (Image: GETTY)
“I’m still not 100 per cent, but when it comes to sacrificing for the club or team I do it with pride because I know there were a lot of games up for grabs.”
Ronaldo went on to explain that if ever his team, Juventus or Portugal, needed him, then he would sacrifice himself and play through pain in order to get the best result possible.
"At Juventus, Inter are putting on a lot of pressure [in Serie A]. We are two points ahead, but we can't go easy because if we draw or lose, they pass us and I sacrificed myself," he added.
"In the national team, if we didn't win one of our two games, we could be out. I also sacrificed myself for the national team. Related articles Man Utd news LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo transfer recommendation
"I never had major injuries. I play 50 or 60 games a year, but at one time or another there may be an unforeseen event – it's a pain that keeps me from being 100 per cent.
"I always try to help. They put a lot of controversy on this subject, but you know I don't talk much in the press.
"We won. Juventus are in first place, we qualified and I will be 100 per cent as fast as possible." Related articles
