Cristiano Ronaldo in action during a match. File

Gulf Today Report
 
Juventus director Pavel Nedved played down the rumours of Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the club, saying that the Portuguese superstar is expected to be back later this month.

"Cristiano is on holiday. We have no signal from his entourage that he wants to leave. We're waiting for him and he will return around July 25 as scheduled," Nedved said.

A turbulent season has put Ronaldo’s future at the club in jeopardy. Ronaldo has still one and a year left on his contract.

But a faltering Juventus could not win Series A title after nine years, failed to go beyond last 16 in Champions League which brought Ronaldo’s credentials under scanner.

Defending champions Inter Milan, who ended nine-year Juventus reign, will start their title defence against Genoa on Aug.21-22, according to the new calendar unveiled on Wednesday.

Juventus will play their season opener against Udinese under the new coach Massimilano Allegri, who makes a return to the Turin giants two years after being sacked despite winning five consecutive titles with club.