Bonucci on Ronaldo: There are still many games in which Juve will need him at his best

Leonardo Bonucci will be glad to see Cristiano Ronaldo back on the pitch for Portugal and is not concerned by the forward’s recent tough stretch at Juventus.

Juve superstar Ronaldo has been substituted in his past two club matches, reportedly leaving the stadium before full-time last time out against AC Milan.

Coach Maurizio Sarri attributed the former Real Madrid forward’s early withdrawal down to a bruised knee, yet he is in line to start for Portugal against Lithuania in Euro 2020 qualifying on Thursday.

Club colleague Bonucci is keen not to dwell on the events of recent weeks, though, happy to instead back Ronaldo to return to Turin determined to lead the Bianconeri going forward.

“I like to look forward, not back,” Italy international Bonucci told a news conference. “There will be time to talk but now we are with the national teams.

We’re on the #ucl last 16!
Bravi Ragazzi!#finoallafine pic.twitter.com/g30n8f4zG9

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 7, 2019

“He will play with Portugal – that means he is physically better and mentally great. And I am here to represent Italy. In Turin, we will talk.

“There are still many games in which we will need the best Ronaldo. I am convinced that, for him, too, the goal is to be better than the past to achieve team and personal goals.”

Ronaldo has scored six goals in 14 matches in all competitions for Juve this season.

Sarri’s men are a point clear of nearest rivals Inter at the top of Serie A, while they have secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage with two group matches to spare.