Juventus' sporting director Federico Cherubini has admitted it was impossible to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at the club.
Ronaldo, 36, officially returned to Manchester United on deadline day in a deal worth an initial €15million, rising to €23m.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner put an end to his three stay spell in Italy - he scored 36 goals in 44 appearances last term - when agreeing terms for a sensational homecoming to Old Trafford, something that he made clear to the Juventus board he desired.
That's according to the Italian giants' sporting director Cherubini, who has now reflected on Ronaldo's transfer to United.
Cherubini has spoken on the move, claiming that the Portugal star informed Juventus that 'he wanted out' this summer.
“There was not any possibility to keep him, also for the way he talked to us," Cherubini told Tuttosport.
"There could not have been a different ending. He was very direct in communicating his intentions in those days. We can not force a person to stay in a context he no longer identifies with.
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“When Ronaldo told us he wanted out, we immediately moved up our future plans. Moise Kean is not his replacement, but one of the pieces to keep winning with a different project - our ambition is to have a competitive squad, as always.
"We also wish to keep the payroll in check. Juventus have had players of great stature in recent years. Now we will focus on those with potential. I am not talking about prospects, but well-known and internationally recognized ones that can still take one further step. Our objective is still to be successful, but we will take a different road.”
