Goal can confirm Cristiano Ronaldo missed training with Juventus on Friday morning as rumours linking him with a transfer continue to intensify, as the star was subsequently spotted taking a private jet out of Turin.
Ronaldo is set to say his final goodbyes to the Juve squad as his agent Jorge Mendes continues to work on a permanent move for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner before the August 31 deadline.
The Portuguese did not take part in the club's latest session, with Goal having reported earlier this week that Manchester City were in talks to sign the striker after missing out on a deal for Tottenham's Harry Kane - but that deal has now collapsed.
What's the situation?
Goal understands Juve are now just waiting for City to submit a formal bid for Ronaldo, who is eager to embark on the next stage of his career away from Turin.
The Italian giants are ready to sell the 36-year-old for €29 million (£24m/$34m), having accepted that he will not be extending his stay at the club beyond the expiration of his current deal in 2022.
Having left the training complex on Friday morning, Ronaldo was then spotted departing Turin entirely via private plane, after Juve manager Max Allegri admitted the player has "no intention" of staying at the club.
Ronaldo has left Juventus's training complex 👋
— Goal (@goal) August 27, 2021
He will not train with the team today ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/1E15VTCQ3S
#CR7 sta lasciando Torino // CR7 leaves Turin ⚪️⚫️🔚 @goal @GoalItalia pic.twitter.com/fTSaQYvjAf
— Romeo Agresti (@romeoagresti) August 27, 2021
Where will Ronaldo go?
Ronaldo had a hugely successful spell at Manchester United earlier in his career before joining Real Madrid, and it is understood that he was open to joining City despite previously insisting that no amount of money could convince him to link up with his old club's local rivals.
Pep Guardiola is eager to add another centre-forward to his ranks after seeing Sergio Aguero leave Etihad Stadium in June, with first-choice target Kane no longer an option after announcing his decision to stay at Tottenham.
Ronaldo was top of City's list, but Goal has reported that they are reluctant to pay a fee for the forward who reportedly commands a salary of over €1 million per week.
Juve have made it clear that they won't let a prized asset go for nothing though, and any deal between the clubs has now fallen through.
