The close of Friday's stock market in Italy saw Juventus's shares price experiencing a plunge. This is believed to be as a result of the emerging news about Cristiano Ronaldo's involvement in an alleged rape claim.
According to a report by German magazine Der Spiegel, the Portuguese football superstar purportedly slept with an American woman identified as Kathryn Mayorga against her will in a hotel in Las Vegas back in June 2009. Cristiano Ronaldo has since come out to rubbish the allegations on both his Instagram and Twitter pages.
The Madeira-born forward has also been backed by his current club Juventus. The current Serie A champions released a series of tweets affirming their support for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Nonetheless, the club's actions have been condemned by many who believe the step taken was needless.
The events allegedly dating back to almost 10 years ago do not change this opinion, which is shared by anyone who has come into contact with this great champion.
2/2.@Cristiano Ronaldo has shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus. 1/1
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) October 4, 2018— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) October 4, 2018
Ahead of Saturday's Serie A clash with Udinese, head coach of the Turin club, Massimiliano Allegri, said Ronaldo is "doing well" and is ready to play while addressing reporters.
"I must say that I've only known him (Ronaldo) as a person for three months, but over the years I've seen him as a serious person, both on and off the pitch.
"He has broad shoulders, so much so that he can be completely focused on tomorrow's match.
"After having had a break from the Champions League, he is extremely ready to return, as he demonstrated in training yesterday."
Elsewhere, while the issues surrounding Ronaldo is seemingly catching pace, the biggest brand endorser of the player, Nike, in a statement to the Press Association, said it was "deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations".
The American company, who signed a billion-dollar lifetime deal with the 33-year-old Portuguese striker, further highlighted that it "will continue to closely monitor the situation" with the Las Vegas police reportedly on the verge of reopening the case for investigations into the matter to commence.
