Rabiot responds to criticism aimed at Ronaldo this season

Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot has given his verdict on the criticism that has come Cristiano Ronaldo’s way this season.

Adrien Rabiot admits he doesn’t always understand the criticism that is directed at Cristiano Ronaldo.

At 36 years of age, Ronaldo arguably had his best season in a Bianconeri jersey. The attacker raised the bar again by smashing home an impressive 36 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions.

He even won a first Capocannoniere prize in Serie A with a league-best of 29 goals and Juventus’ MVP of the Year award.

But Juve’s shattered title defense and inability to progress past the Champions League quarter-final stage since Ronaldo joined in 2018 has not gone unnoticed by critics, who have suggested he is the reason for the club’s downfall.

“Cristiano Ronaldo managed to score more [goals] than anyone in Serie A,” Rabiot pointed out to La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

“It makes me smile when I feel that Juve play better without him. Criticism is inevitable, but I don’t always understand it.”

“I also appreciate Ronaldo for his determination, passion, and desire to aim higher and higher. An attitude that drags the rest of the team and the club upwards. There are few players like that, it’s better to have them by your side.”