Cristiano Ronaldo speaks at Juventus press conference ahead of Manchester United clash
Ronaldo faced questions from the media ahead of his first return to Manchester since 2013
Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers
Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United this week as Jose Mourinho's side play Juventus in the Champions League group stages on Tuesday night.
Ronaldo, who spent six years at United between 2003 and 2009 before moving to Real Madrid, arrived in England having been accused of rape by Kathryn Mayorga, a 34-year-old American woman.
Police in Las Vegas have reopened their investigation into the alleged assault from 2009. Ronaldo has denied the allegations, insisting his ‘conscience is clear’.
Ronaldo was asked about Mayorga by a member of the media to which he responded:
“I'm happy man. We did the statement two weeks ago. Of course, I'm not going to lie on this situation. My lawyers are confident and of course I am too. The most important thing is that I enjoy football and enjoy life. I have people who take care of my life. The truth always comes in the first position.”
It was the last question received by Ronaldo with Juventus' press officer thanking him for his time immediately afterwards.
Prior to that, Ronaldo had also been asked whether he was a role model to which Ronaldo replied in a similar vein:
“I know I am an example, 100%, in the pitch and outside the pitch. I always smile. I'm blessed. I play at a fantastic club, I have a fantastic family, I'm healthy. I have everything. The rest does not affect on me.”
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner spoke fondly of Sir Alex Ferguson on his return to the city he left in 2009 to sign for Real Madrid. Ronaldo has only revisited his old home once since then, in 2013, when he downed his former side in the last-16 of the Champions League.
The 33-year-old was in danger of missing the tie against Manchester United after receiving a red card in the 29th minute of Juventus' 2-0 victory over Valencia last month but his automatic one-match ban was not extended by Uefa.
And now the £99 million striker has unsurprisingly had little doubts that he would leave Manchester as a winner once again in a foreign strip, despite the stern test offered by his former side come Tuesday.
"They are a good team, they play at home. We have our weapons. We are Juve. I think we have a chance. I think if we play the way the coach wants we have a chance to win the game. We have to respect Manchester United."
Read the full live updates from Ronaldo's press conference below.
Hello and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Juventus' press conference prior to their Champions League meeting with Manchester United.
Massimiliano Allegri, the Juventus manager, is set to take questions from the media at 6.15pm and will be joined by Cristiano Ronaldo.
We'll have live updates shortly...
Ronaldo returns to Manchester having spent six years at United between 2003 and 2009.
The Juventus forward arrives in England having been accused of rape by Kathryn Mayorga, a 34-year-old American woman.
Police in Las Vegas have reopened their investigation into the alleged assault from 2009. Ronaldo has denied the allegations, insisting his ‘conscience is clear’.
Juventus confirmed Ronaldo would meet the media earlier this afternoon.
Juventus have made an excellent start to the season, bucking the trend of super clubs suffering difficulties.
Allegri's side won their first 10 matches in all competitions. Saturday's 1-1 draw with Genoa put an end to that run but they remain top of Serie A.
Juventus also top Group H, having beating Valencia and Young Boys in their opening group fixtures.
Ronaldo, of course, joined Juventus this summer after nine years in Madrid.
The Portugal forward has scored five goals in his 10 appearances so far, his latest coming in Saturday's draw with Genoa.
We're expecting this press conference to start imminently.
Old Trafford's Champions Club suite has filled up quickly in the last few minutes.
The Juventus squad has just completed it's 'walk-around' the Old Trafford pitch for the television cameras.
Ronaldo is joined by Allegri, but will taking questions first...
Given the last two months, the allegations, missing out on awards, has it created a problem for you? Do you feel you are a victim?
CR: This is not the most important thing. I'm not to upset about individual awards. My last two months in Juve was amazing. Everything has gone well. The adaptation has gone well. The awards don't mean everything. It's not a problem.
Having been with Juventus for three months, do you think what you have seen is on a par with Real Madrid?
I don't want to compare. They are both great teams, fantastic clubs. I'm glad to play here in Manchester, Real Madrid and now in Juve.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.