The experienced defender has been forced to settle for reduced game time this campaign after the arrival of Ferland Mendy from Lyon, and has long since been linked with a potential switch to Turin.

Pele this week said that he believes Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel Messi, a view that goes a long way in strengthening the Portuguese's case. But what have other legends made of the rivalry?

While many of us may use retail therapy during these stressful and uncertain times, Cristiano Ronaldo is no different as he has reportedly splashed out £8.5million on a limited edition Bugatti.

Cristiano Ronaldo chose to join Manchester United in 2003 because every other club that was interested in signing the winger wanted to loan him back to Sporting Lisbon, Jorge Mendes has revealed.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest paid footballer in Serie A, earning £27.5million per season. He could leave Juventus if he demands the lost wages back rather than sign a contract extension.

Cristiano Ronaldo had initially agreed to swap shirts with former Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino before his penalty was saved during a 3-0 win in Turin last year.

Ferguson won an unprecedented 38 major honours during his reign at United, managing to maintain the club's dominance over two decades before retiring in 2013.

Cristiano Ronaldo is doing his bit to help Juventus cut costs in the coronavirus outbreak but due to the astronomical success of his business away from the pitch, he's unlikely to notice the financial hit.

Xavivplayed with both during his career at Barcelona, with Messi essentially replacing Ronaldinho as the star player upon Pep Guardiola's arrival as manager in 2008.

Caster Semenya smashed Cristiano Ronaldo's 'core crusher challenge' record in the Nike Living Room Cup challenge, an initiative aiming to promote exercising indoors during the coronavirus pandemic

Cristiano Ronaldo is urging people to keep busy during the coronavirus lockdown by inviting football fans to take part in a core strength challenge. The Juventus star took part in Nike's Living Room Cup initiative.

Juventus are willing to let star player Cristiano Ronaldo go back to his former club Real Madrid for a bargain price, according to Corriere dello Sport. 

Cristiano Ronaldo isn't particularly impressed at Bruno Fernandes' reaction to his ab workout challenge on Instagram, and took the time to troll his Portugal team-mate on Tuesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo and girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez took part in a couple's workout during a lockdown exercise session on Wednesday.

The Portuguese talisman brought the curtain down on nine trophy-laden years at the Bernabeu in 2018 before making a £100million move to Turin, where he is under contract until 2022.

The former Madrid captain and goalkeeper proposed that former players of Real Madrid and Barcelona came together for a game where proceeds would go to charities for those in need.

After a month in Madeira, the Juventus forward has decided to leave his £7m seven-storey home and relocate as he looks for more privacy for him, partner Georgina Rodriguez and his kids.

Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Harry Kane ahead of the summer transfer window after the Tottenham striker admitted he could leave north London if they don't start winning trophies.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003. To improve his game, Mike Phelan has said the club needed to teach him to become a 'team player' to help him to grow.

Ronaldo put in a sensational performance for Sporting Lisbon in a 3-1 pre-season friendly win against United before moving to Old Trafford in a £12.24 million deal just days later.

Ronaldo has rented the villa for him, his partner Georgina Rodriguez and his children, and comes with a swimming pool, top-floor games room and six bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

The Juventus talisman is spending time with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez at the residence with football suspended, and has been attempting to remain fit by using a local stadium to train.

Ronaldo started his career at Nacional, representing the club between 1995 and 1997 before winning a move to Sporting Lisbon but returned as he tried to kill time during the football shutdown.

Cristiano Ronaldo is making the most of his time in lockdown and wore a £2,000 pyjama set while relaxing with his family.

The Brazilian has faced the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during an illustrious career but says the notoriously tricky former Chelsea striker was the toughest to get the better of.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are widely regarded as the two biggest stars in world football. Though Roberto Mancini has claimed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is 'on the same level'.

The prospect of the 2019-20 season being declared 'null and void' looms large over football. We take a look at some of the records, achievements and landmarks that could be erased from history.

Kasper Schmeichel's former coach Kevin Hitchcock claims that the Leicester City goalkeeper can connect will the ball as well as Cristiano Ronaldo. He also says the Dane loves to play outfield

Ronaldo has been integral to Juve's Serie A charge this term as they were standing top of the table one point ahead of Lazio before the coronaviurs pandemic halted sport across the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend, 26, showcased her sensational figure in a workout video she shared to Instagram on Thursday.

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently self-isolating with his family in Madeira but with a plan to return to Turin next weekend, Juventus are trying to find ways around extended quarantine for players.

Sadio Mane had an ally in Lionel Messi after being 'left with a bitter taste' by Jurgen Klopp's decision to back Virgil van Dijk for last year's Ballon d'Or.

Cristiano Ronaldo 's girlfriend, 26, made sure to keep up with her fitness routine during the quarantine, as she took to Instagram to share another workout video on Friday.

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville named their 'world football draft' for Sky Sports and Kylian Mbappe received plenty of recognition at the top of both lists.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have ruled the football globe for more than a decade, but Jose Mourinho believes Ronaldo Nazario eclipses both the Juventus and Barcelona stars.

Juve allowed their overseas stars to leave the country amid the coronavirus outbreak, prompting Ronaldo to return home to his Madeira homeland for the last few weeks.

The latest move casts further doubt on whether it will be possible to complete the Serie A campaign - which has 12 full rounds to run - despite Italian FA's determination to do so.

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo is set for another two weeks of lockdown when he returns to Italy. Juventus have recalled their foreign players who left Italy during the lockdown.

Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend, 26, showcased her sensational curves in a tiny black crop top and a pair of gym leggings as she worked out at home in Funchal, Portugal.

The Spanish beauty, 26, fully exposed her pert bottom in a black thong while appearing to air laundry on a clothes rail.

The Portuguese midfielder has settled in well to life at Old Trafford and already has pundits, fans and former United players fawning over his early performances after his £68m move from Lisbon.

Cristiano Ronaldo has finally arrived back in Turin after having his private jet refused permission for takeoff in Spain on Sunday. The Juve forward has suffered a logistical headache in getting back.

The Portuguese star is close with mother Maria Dolores, who has had a huge influence on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's career, and the 65-year-old has shown off her latest gift.

The Argentine full-back was one of the last signings made by the club prior to the new owners, arriving just days before the Abu Dhabi buyout was confirmed in September 2008.

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has admitted that if he doesn't know if goalkeeper David de Gea will be mentally ready to face the Czech Republic in Toulouse on Monday in their Euro 2016 opener.

The former Arsenal veteran believes his country should be positive after their narrow defeat to Spain but has called on his side's youngsters to step up on the big stage.

Croatia captain Darijo Srna says he is ready to play against the Czech Republic at Euro 2016 on Friday following the death of his father. Srna's father passed away during Croatia's opening game.

While Group A, B and C may be taking shape, attention turns to Group D and E on Friday. Italy stormed to a 2-0 victory over Belgium and will want more success against Sweden.

CHRIS HATHERALL IN SAINT-ETIENNE: Croatia fans threw flares on the pitch and fought in the stands as their team threw away a 2-0 lead against the Czech Republic to draw 2-2.

UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatian Football Association for the chaotic scenes that saw Mark Clattenburg halt the Euro 2016 Group D fixture on Friday night.