Mihyun Chung
Football Tribe Korea
The recent Cristiano Ronaldo’s no-show infuriated fans in Korea; a response from the Italian giants aggravated their anger.
The 34-year-old former Ballon d’or winner missed Juventus friendly against Team K League on 26 July, as well as the meet-and-greet session prior to the game.
K League revealed that it was a contract breach as Ronaldo was supposed to play for at least 45 minutes, and criticized the team for a kick-off dealy. In addition, the Korean governing body demanded that Juventus issue an apology.
Andrea Agnelli, chairman of Juventus, replied that Ronaldo was absent, following advice from the medical team but the rest played. Agnelli also stated that as the players put in a performance that is good enough not to disappoint the crowd, the club would not be able to accept the criticism. He also explained that the delay was as K League was not cooperative [for players to enter the country at the airport] and the matchday was brought forward as per K League’s request.
The chairman added, “the club’s legal side will respond to the contract’s clauses that were claimed to be breached.”
K League responded that it only took 26 minutes for the players and staff to get passport checked and enter the country according to the immigration office, and players left the hotel too late. In addition, “Juventus agreed on changing the match day, quoting their previous experiences and use of a private plane” according to K League.
Korea’s professional football governing body also expressed disappointment, pointing out that Juventus’ response lacked any apology.