Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has sensationally refused to rule out Cristiano Ronaldo’s return as reports emerged that the star has held informal talks with the club.

The ex-Manchester United superstar, 36, could be heading for the Juventus exit door at the end of the season.

Juventus crashed out of the Champions League round of 16 for the second consecutive year at the hands of Porto during the week. And they are facing serious financial problems due to the coronavirus pandemic.

To help boost the coffers, the club would reportedly be open to letting Ronaldo leave to get his £500,000-a-week wages off the books a year before his contract ends.

With speculation over his next move growing, it was revealed how his agent Jorge Mendes held ‘informal’ talks with a return to Real Madrid.

And Zidane said: “You know what Cristiano Ronaldo means for Real Madrid. You know the affection we have for him at Real Madrid. What he did here was magnificent.

“Right now he’s a Juventus player and he’s doing really well there. I can’t say anything about all the many things they say. I can only say that he is a Juventus player and we have to respect that.”