Jurgen Klopp admits he was ‘surprised’ Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to leave Juventus this summer

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he was ‘surprised’ that Cristiano Ronaldo was allowed to leave Juventus this summer. 

The 36-year-old superstar completed a shock return to Manchester United on deadline-day in a deal worth £19.4million – after previously being linked with a move to rivals Manchester City.

But Klopp says that he is surprised the Italian side allowed Ronaldo to depart and joked that he’s not happy to see the five-time Ballon D’or winner return to the Premier League.

Cristiano Ronaldo re-joined Manchester United on deadline-day, 12 years after departing

Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he was surprised Ronaldo was allowed to leave Juventus 

Speaking to Sky Sports, Klopp said: ‘I’m I happy that he’s at United? No I can’t say that.’

When asked if that’s ‘because he’s too good of a player’, the Liverpool boss added: ‘Yes unfortunately. I was surprised when I heard of the first rumours he wants to leave Juventus, I had no idea. I’m not in the Juventus circle that people inform me from time to time what’s going on there, so I was really surprised about that. 

‘Then I thought ‘oh that will be fun for United’, then United obviously stepped in for him and did it. All fine, free world, they can do what they want.’

Ronaldo marked his first appearance for United in 12 years with a brace as he guided the Red Devils to a comfortable 4-1 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford on Saturday. 

Ronaldo marked his return to Old Trafford with a brace against Newcastle on Saturday 

The Portugal international later admitted that even he didn’t expect himself to score two goals. 

‘I didn’t expect to do that, to score two goals. Maybe one but not two’ Ronaldo said. ‘Of course, I’m happy to score the goals, I won’t deny that, but the most important thing is the team.

‘I belong to Manchester United. I arrived here at 18-years-old, they treated me unbelievably and this is why I came back. I’m so proud to be here and I want to win.’

United now sit joint-top of the Premier League after their unbeaten start to the season. They will take-on BSC Young Boys in the Champions League on Tuesday night before travelling to West Ham next weekend.