Cristiano Ronaldo called out by ex-team-mate as Cuadrado considers Saudi Arabia

Juan Cuadrado has joked that he could swerve interest from Saudi Arabia because of former Juventus team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo . The 35-year-old wide man has no plans to retire after leaving Juve as a free agent earlier this summer and is weighing up his transfer options. Cuadrado’s Juventus contract expired on July 1, adding him to the list of lucrative free agents made available after the 2022/23 season. After registering 26 goals and 65 assists in 314 appearances across eight years in Turin, he will seek a new challenge in the coming weeks. And he has suggested that he could snub a reunion with Ronaldo and look to remain in Europe, with his desire to compete at the highest level still burning. He said: “At this moment, I still have the passion, and I like to compete. Besides, Ronaldo is down there [in Saudi Arabia], and he doesn’t want me! “I am very relaxed, thinking of what is best, asking God for help with these decisions. Juan Cuadrado could join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. (Image: Getty) “My agent Andrey Martinez was in Europe and has just arrived to talk to me about various situations. Obviously, there are options, and we’ll analyse which is the best.” Cuadrado won five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias and two Italian Super Cups during his stint at Juventus. He lifted five of those major trophies with Ronaldo, who played for the Old Lady from 2018 to 2021 before returning to Manchester United. The 38-year-old forward’s blockbuster Saudi switch in January sparked a flurry of high-profile arrivals as the Middle East’s presence in football continues to grow. Cristiano Ronaldo is the face of Saudi Arabian football. (Image: Getty)