Cristiano Ronaldo, Florentino Perez had a conversation in Turin

Real Madrid have not been the same team since Cristiano Ronaldo‘s departure. We can go around in circles all we want, but we have to be honest and state the facts. Los Blancos went from winning three straight Champions Leagues to becoming a non-threat in the competition since Ronaldo decided to join Juventus.

There are still fond feelings among Madridistas for Ronaldo, whose goal-scoring prowess we may never again see at the Santiago Bernabéu. And because of these strong feelings that fans have, any news mentioning player and club together leads to a sliver of hope. It is only natural.

On El Chiringuito, Edu Aguirre reported exclusively that Florentino Perez, the Real Madrid president, and Cristiano Ronaldo had a “very pleasant” conversation together in Turin at the Juventus facilities.

Let me make this clear. Perez was not in Turin specifically to see Ronaldo. He was there to speak with Juve’s president Andrea Agnelli about a variety of topics, but the largest issue was the European Super League that both club leaders are seemingly keen on creating.

Cristiano Ronaldo seems satisfied with Juventus

The conversation with Ronaldo was secondary. It may have just been a friendly conversation without anything to do with business or Ronaldo’s future.

But when so many Madridistas miss watching Ronaldo prowl the penalty box and score goal after goal, it is only natural for them to wonder if this opens the door – even if it is only slightly ajar – for a reunion and a true send-off for CR7.

I remain unconvinced, of course. Ronaldo seems happy in Turin, even though Juventus are struggling and are largely being carried by the Sporting Lisbon product from an attacking sense. Ronaldo, though, seems like a guy who relishes a challenge, and it would be quite the achievement if he could lead a resurgent young “Old Lady” to a Champions League title.

Though it would also be quite something to see Ronaldo back with the Royal Whites, hoisting a fifth Champions League trophy with the club he’s most closely associated with. For now, of course, it is all purely conjecture of the “wistful thinking” variety.