Juventus VP: Cristiano Ronaldo 'can't be touched' despite Real Madrid rumors

Amid rumors that Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo could look to return to Spanish giants Real Madrid during the upcoming summer transfer window, Juventus vice president Pavel Nedved seemed to close the door on such speculation when speaking on Wednesday. 

"For me, Cristiano can't be touched," Nedved told DAZN, (via Sky Sports). "He has a contract until June 30, 2022, and he will stay. We'll see what happens after that."

Last week, Real manager Zinedine Zidane teased that Ronaldo could rejoin the Spanish side that he left for Turin in the summer of 2018. Following Juventus' shocking elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of 10-man Porto in the competition's round of 16, the "Old Lady" sit third in the Serie A table and 10 points behind leaders Inter Milan with only 11 matches to play. 

For a piece published on Tuesday, Marca's Nuno Luz wrote that "Ronaldo would leave Juventus if Real Madrid called" and that the 36-year-old "understands that his Italian adventure has come to an end" with Juve unlikely to win the league. 

Back on March 12, the Football Italia staff reported Juventus would attach a transfer fee of more than $34 million to Ronaldo's services following the season. Nedved's comments suggest Real or a different buyer will have to offer more for Juventus to consider selling the international superstar who remains a proven goal-scorer and top-tier box-office draw.