Cristiano Ronaldo has filed a lawsuit against Juventus, claiming €19.5 million in deferred salary payments, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The case, which delves into intricate financial matters, has raised questions about contractual obligations and promises made between the player and the club.

The Portuguese football superstar, is embroiled in a legal dispute with Juventus, one of Italy’s most renowned football clubs, over €19.5 million in deferred salary payments.

The case has brought to light a complex web of contractual intricacies and verbal commitments, which both parties are now seeking to clarify in front of the FIGC Arbitration Board.

According to Ronaldo’s legal team, Juventus had assured the player that these salary payments would be made in the form of bonuses or incentives, contingent upon Ronaldo’s potential transfer to another club.

The dispute centers on whether Juventus indeed guaranteed these payments as an exit incentive when Ronaldo moved to Manchester United.

Juventus, however, vehemently denies any outstanding financial obligations to Ronaldo. The club’s position is that no pending payments are owed to the player, and they argue that the so-called “side letter,” known as the ‘Ronaldo Letter,’ holds no legal value.

This letter, signed by Juventus’ former Sporting Director Fabio Paratici but not by Cristiano Ronaldo, is being presented as evidence by Ronaldo’s legal team to substantiate their claim.

The critical issue at stake in this legal battle is the interpretation of the exit incentive clause. Is it a bona fide release clause that triggers payment upon Ronaldo’s transfer, or is it merely a formal gesture? The FIGC Arbitration Board will play a pivotal role in deciphering this contractual puzzle.

In a recent interview with Tuttosport, Sassuolo’s director, Carnevali, addressed a range of topics, shedding light on the club’s dealings with Juventus, the status of star player Domenico Berardi, and the departure of Francesco Mancini, among other things.

Carnevali dispelled any notions of discord between Sassuolo and Juventus, stating unequivocally, “I was never in any dispute with Juve.”

Domenico Berardi was reportedly close to move to Juventus last summer but he ended up staying at Sassuolo after Bianconeri failed to meet the deadline date for bid submission.

Regarding Domenico Berardi, Carnevali revealed, “Domenico is slowly getting back to his best. It’s natural to have an initial moment of confusion when facing a big club’s interest. He also had a minor injury. But now we see him well and behaving as he should – a hero on and off the field.”

When asked about the possibility of Berardi leaving in January, he left the door open, saying, “You can never rule anything out, but it would have to be a very important offer because we don’t need to sell.”

Francesco Mancini’s departure from Sassuolo’s playing squad raised questions about the club’s decision. Carnevali responded, “Let’s put it this way: Berardi comes with an important cost, and Mancini has significant value. I’m happy that one of our former players, thanks to the club’s work and De Zerbi’s, will immediately start his coaching career.”

He expressed hope for Mancini’s coaching future and praised his contribution during his 17-season stint with Sassuolo.

Carnevali clarified Sassuolo’s relationship with Juventus, stating, “Ridiculous story. We deal with everyone. In fact, among the top clubs, Juve is the one we deal with the least. The truth is we work with all clubs; just look at the various transfer sessions.”

Discussing former Sassuolo player Manuel Locatelli, who’s currently playing for Juventus, Carnevali had nothing but praise. “I have great admiration for Manuel, both personally and as a player. I’ll always remember the day he arrived from Milan: the effort and investment… We believed in it, and we were right. He can play multiple roles in midfield because he has talent, quality, and character. He’s one of the best talents in our football.”

Carnevali expressed confidence in Juventus’ prospects, saying, “I had no doubts about Juve. They’ve changed a bit, brought back players who weren’t at their peak, like Vlahovic and Chiesa. They don’t have midweek commitments and have a very good coach. For me, they’re Scudetto contenders. The real competitors for Inter.”

As Sassuolo faces Juventus, Carnavale conveyed the team’s spirit, stating, “Calmly, and without surrender. We are on a journey, and we are growing. We will flourish soon.”

Finally, he revealed that Juventus were among the clubs interested in signing Davide Frattessi, who ended up by joining Inter, by saying, “Frattesi had the ambition to go to a big club, but he didn’t have any preferences. Juve was among the first interested in signing him, but then, due to strategy or other choices, they didn’t make the move. There were other clubs, from Inter to Napoli, who tried a lot, and the player chose his destination.”

In an insightful conversation with La Gazzetta, the renowned football figure Fabio Capello shared his perspective on Juventus’ unique position in Serie A, the challenges of playing without European commitments, and the Serie A title race.

Capello pointed out that Juventus’ primary advantage in not participating in European competitions is “less travel, reduced physical and mental fatigue from midweek matches, and subsequently fewer injuries. It’s easier for the coach to plan for the week or even the month when their sole target is the league.”

When asked if the extended breaks could lead to boredom, especially for a team and coach accustomed to frequent matches, Capello disagreed, saying, “No, more than boredom, it should turn into anger on the pitch when they see other teams in Europe on TV. Max, just like I did, must focus on the desire for revenge.”

Capello shared his motivational message with the players, emphasizing, “This year, we only have the league, and we must win it because you cannot afford to not play in the Champions League. We must return to it immediately.”

Regarding the theory that not participating in Europe could potentially yield extra points, Capello humorously responded, “If it’s 7, I don’t know, because then you have to win the matches… But if you consider the reduced mental and physical pressure, there might be another 5 points.”

Capello commented on Max Allegri’s apparent focus on the Champions League rather than the Serie A, stating, “This time, Max is being deceptive. Perhaps it’s because he doesn’t want to be seen as the overwhelming favorite after the past two years. But hiding is not like Juventus… (laughs). Allegri is a master in this field, and he knows what it takes to win.”

When asked about the aspects of the new Juventus that caught his attention, Capello highlighted the performances of Chiesa and Vlahovic. He noted, “Chiesa and Vlahovic are in good physical shape now and making a difference. It doesn’t surprise me because I also suffered from thigh pains. Without injuries, Vlahovic and Chiesa can be a duo that scores 40 goals. Pogba’s return was a disgrace, but I see Locatelli growing.”

Looking ahead to Juventus facing Sassuolo and the return of Berardi, Capello expressed, “It could have been perfect for Juventus: Domenico delivers the ball to you in the right way. He would have formed a fantastic trio with Vlahovic and Chiesa.”

Capello was asked about the competition for the Scudetto, to which he responded, “It seems to me that Inter and Juventus are the two most competitive teams. Inter believes in their strength and has a better-prepared squad. Juventus has important values and isn’t playing in Europe.”

Discussing other contenders in Serie A, Capello offered insights: “I didn’t like Milan in the Derby, but they played an excellent match in the Champions League. Roma relies heavily on the Dybala and Lukaku duo. Napoli seems to have improved in the Champions League, but the Azzurri need to rediscover the desire to compete from last year and find better Kafara and Osimhen. Lazio started slowly, and the departure of Milinkovic-Savic was noticeable: on that day, for a header, one of the Serbian’s skills, it was on Provvedi, the goalkeeper, to enter the penalty area… Jokes aside, the team I saw under Sarri was better against Atletico and will improve in the league.”