Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

Cristiano Ronaldo issued demand to "apologise" to Juventus fans for part in Champions League exit

Juventus legend Alessio Tacchinardi has demanded an apology from Cristiano Ronaldo for his role in the side's Champions League exit.

The Serie A giants were knocked out of the competition by Porto at the last-16 stage on Tuesday after losing on away goals.

And Ronaldo has been widely criticised for turning his back on the late Sergio Oliveira free-kick which sent Porto through.

Tacchinardi believes Ronaldo shirked his responsibilities after the game by failing to conduct an interview with the press.

And speaking to TMW Radio, he stated his belief that the Juventus fans deserve some answers from the Portuguese star.

"He (Ronaldo) was rested in last weekend's game against Lazio, so what was he doing against Porto?" Tacchinardi said.

Cristiano Ronaldo turned his back on the free-kick which sent Porto through (ALESSANDRO DI MARCO/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

"Federico Chiesa went to talk on TV, but I would have expected Ronaldo to do so. He has to make an apology to the supporters."

Despite the condemnation of Ronaldo, Tacchinardi was also scathing about the Juventus team in general, and believes they missed a golden opportunity to progress far in the competition this season.

"For a test this important they should have prepared in a different way," he continued.

"I don't understand why they approached it the way they did after losing the first leg.

"They had the opportunity to attack Porto early on but did no such thing. They totally missed the opportunity."

Ronaldo's future now seems to be up in the air, with some speculation he could leave Juventus at the end of the season.

There are rumours he could make a sensational return to Real Madrid, while big-money moves to China or the United States have also been touted.

Meanwhile Ronaldo and his Juventus side return to action for the first time since the Porto disappointment when they take on Cagliari in Serie A on Sunday.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.