Cristiano Ronaldo Returns To Juventus But A Serie A Restart Remains Uncertain

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Turin in order to begin individual training sessions with Juventus. The squad, including Ronaldo, Miralem Pjanic and Leonardo Bonucci underwent medical tests at the J Medical Center on May 4, ahead of the carefully monitored fitness regime that will be carried out on a one to one basis due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

“Please note that according to the decree from the “Ministero dell’Interno” on May 3, these training sessions will take place on an individual basis and with staggered arrivals to allow full compliance with the regulations in force,” a club statement confirmed.”

Ronaldo had been away from Turin since March 10th, after he returned to Portugal to be with his mother Maria Dolores suffered a stroke. The Bianconeri played their last match on March 8th, a 2-0 win over league rivals Inter, played behind closed doors.

Since then, both Daniele Rugani and Paulo Dybala tested positive for COVID-19, but the pair have now been given the all-clear. Two checks have been performed on the latter player, both of which were negative, meaning that Dybala will not be subjected to a two-week quarantine period when he returns from his native Argentina.

Despite the potential return of group training on May 16, Serie A have not yet agreed a date for the action to resume. A meeting is scheduled with the Italian Government for Thursday, May 7 in order to discuss safety protocols after the first draft was deemed insufficient.

“Players want to get back out there, but obviously remain worried about their own safety and that of their families,” revealed Professor Walter Della Frera to Radio Marte. “We know full well that there is no such thing as zero risk right now.

“We have to write up a protocol that everyone can agree on and allow football to resume with as little risk of contagion as possible. That is what the players are asking for.”

Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora remains guarded about the prospect of the current campaign being completed, and his latest statement comes as news emerged that an unnamed Torino player tested positive for COVID-19 just this week.

“It would be a different situation if it happened during the training sessions or after the season had begun,” revealed Spadafora. “According to the current decree, the player should be isolated and the entire squad quarantined for 14 days, so naturally at that point the season would be at risk.”

Meanwhile, Juventus loanee Mattia Perin also voiced his concerns over the resumption of the campaign.

“Mentally nobody pulled the plug completely,” he told a radio event run by  Luiss Sport-RBN. “We have trained at home.

“We have different ideas, though. Some would like to start again, others are afraid. I miss football a lot. I would like to resume, but health needs to come first.”