Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at 'frivolous' and ‘disrespectful’ transfer speculation

Juventus forward says he will not be returning to Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo heads the ball to open the scoring for Juventus during the Serie A match at Cagliari on a record-breaking night. AFP

Brazilian legend Pele applauds next to Cristiano Ronaldo, then of Real Madrid, as the Portuguese star receives the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or award in Zurich. Pele congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo for 'breaking his record' of goals scored in official matches. AFP

Ronaldo (C) celebrates after his first goal. AFP

Ronaldo celebrates after opening the scoring. AFP

Ronaldo falls after being fouled in the penalty area. AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo after being fouled in the penalty area and winning a penalty. AFP

Ronaldo scores Juve's second goal from the penalty spot. Reuters

Ronaldo celebrates his second goal. Getty

Ronaldo after the second. AFP

Juventus' Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his second goal. AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring Juve's third goal to complete his hat-trick. Reuters

Ronaldo celebrates his hat-trick. AP

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring Juve's third. Getty

Cristiano Ronaldo had another amazing night for Juve. Reuters

Ronaldo reacts after missing out on another goal. AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed reports he is set to leave Juventus, calling the speculation about his future “disrespectful”.

The prolific Portuguese is in the final year of a three-year contract at Juve but in recent days has been linked with moves to Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and his old club Real Madrid.

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said on Twitter on Tuesday he had “never considered signing” the “Real Madrid legend” while the player used his Instagram account to hit out at "frivolous" speculation over his future, though the 36-year-old made no mention of Juventus.

“Anyone who knows me is aware of how focused I am on my work,” Ronaldo posted on Instagram along with an image of him holding a finger to his lips.

“Less talk and more action, this has been my guiding motto since the start of my career. However, in view of everything that’s been said and written recently, I have to set out my position.

“More than the disrespect for me as a man and as a player, the frivolous way that my future is covered in the media is disrespectful to all the clubs involved in these rumours, as well as to their players and staff."

Ronaldo, 36, is Real Madrid's record scorer having netted 450 goals during a nine-year stint at the Bernabeu before moving to Juventus in 2018.

However, he made clear in his post that he would not be renewing his association with the Spanish giants, with whom he won four Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles.

“My story at Real Madrid has been written. It’s been recorded. In words and numbers, in trophies and titles, in records and in headlines. It’s in the Museum at the Bernabeu Stadium and it’s also in the minds of every fan of the club.

“And beyond what I achieved, I remember that in those nine years I had a relationship of deep affection and respect for “merengue aficion”, an affection and respect that I retain to this day, and that I will always cherish.

“I know that the true Real Madrid fans will continue to have me in their hearts, and I will have them in mine.

“As well as this most recent episode in Spain, there have been frequent news and stories associating me with a number of clubs in many different Leagues, with nobody ever being concerned about trying to find out the actual truth.

“I’m breaking my silence now to say that I can’t allow people to keep playing around with my name. I remain focused on my career and in my work, committed and prepared for all the challenges that I have to face. Everything else? Everything else is just talk.”

Juventus get their Serie A campaign underway Saturday with a trip to Udinese.

Cristiano Ronaldo records