Ronaldo disappointed with Pirlo after Inter Milan substitution

Cristiano Ronaldo-Juventus

The Portuguese ace was left disappointed when he was substituted in the semifinal against Inter Milan.

Juventus had the last laugh in their Coppa Italia semi-finals’ first leg against Inter Milan, winning the game 2-1.

Despite Lautaro Martinez’s early strike, the Bianconeri responded with two goals – both coming from the star forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, the Portuguese ace was left disappointed when he was substituted in the final quarter of the game. 

Nonetheless, Juve manager Andrea Pirlo was unperturbed with Ronaldo’s frustration as he insisted that there was no clause in the contract to not take the Portuguese man off the field. Yet, the Italian manager appreciated his heroics and the hunger to play the game to the fullest.

“It’s normal that when you go out in a match like this you want to play to help the team, Pirlo said.

“There is no contract clause that says he can’t be subbed off. He knows he is a fundamental player for us but to get his breath back, he must always be at the top.

“He proved it with his performances after some criticism. He couldn’t have done better than that.

Pirlo also added that he spoke to Ronaldo on the need for rest with games against Roma and Inter (second leg) looming.

“I said [to him] that he had to rest, we have an important match on Saturday.

“He has played many consecutive games, every now and then a little rest is good for him.”

Despite turning 36 in a few days, Ronaldo’s form has been intact as he is currently the top scorer of Serie A with 15 goals.

Juventus’ title defence hasn’t gone in their desired way as they currently sit at fourth in the table with 39 points, trailing leaders AC Milan by 7 points.