Finally, Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been under critics, has hit hard on his criticizers, sending a message that ‘True Champions Never Break!’
Porto became the unlikely opponent that kicks Andrea Pirlo’s side Juventus out of the prestigious European UEFA Champions League. Since the Italian side exit, their Portuguese forward has copped plenty of criticism for Porto’s last goal.
Arguably, the decisive goal that knocked Juve out of the Champions League pointed Ronaldo turning his back on Sergio Oliveira’s free-kick. And since then, there has been a lot of talks criticizing the Portuguese tallish man.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has broken the silence, insisting it is how they respond that matters, on his Instagram.
Ronaldo said, “More important than the number of falls you take in life, is how fast and how strong you get back on your feet… True champions never break!
“Our focus is already in Cagliari, in the Serie A struggle, in the Italian Cup final, and in everything that we can still achieve this season.
“It’s true that the past belongs in museums I should say! But fortunately, football has memory… and so do I!”
“History can’t be deleted, it’s written every single day with resilience, team spirit, persistence, and lots of hard work,” he stated.
“And those who don’t understand this will never achieve glory and success,” he added.
Despite the UEFA exit, Juventus Serie A’s dominance seems to reach an end as defending Champion are 10 points behind. Andrea Pirlo’s side is sitting third and critics have claimed Ronaldo is holding the team back.
Pirlo has defended his striker as the criticism stirs up following their European exit.
“And it’s normal there be rumors after an elimination,” Pirlo said.
“He is the most talked-about footballer in the world alongside (Messi); people are always talking about him. It’s worth reminding that he has always done well.
“He has 90 goals in a hundred games for Juventus and has always shown his worth,” he added.
“It can happen that he doesn’t score in a certain match, as has happened with others, and this creates rumors.”