Cristiano Ronaldo high-fives non-existent fans as coronavirus sees Juventus win over Inter played behind closed doors

Posted Monday, March 09, 2020 by Thesun.co.uk

JOKER Cristiano Ronaldo pretended there was an Invisible Milan as the coronavirus forced Juventus to host Inter behind closed doors.

The Portugal legend high-fived imaginary fans and grinned slyly at waiting cameras after getting off the team coach, before applauding all corners of an empty stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo high-fives non-existent fans as coronavirus sees Juventus win over Inter played behind closed doors
Cristiano Ronaldo greeted imaginary supporters as Juventus players arrived to take on biggest rivals Inter Milan in front of empty stands tonight

Cristiano Ronaldo high-fives non-existent fans as coronavirus sees Juventus win over Inter played behind closed doors
Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo milks the silent applause from an empty Allianz Stadium, normally packed for such a huge fixture Credit: Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo high-fives non-existent fans as coronavirus sees Juventus win over Inter played behind closed doors
Cristiano Ronaldo can be seen applauding the empty stadium ahead of kick-off Credit: Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo high-fives non-existent fans as coronavirus sees Juventus win over Inter played behind closed doors
Juventus players celebrate Aaron Ramsey's opening goal in front of an empty stadium Credit: AP:Associated Press

Ronaldo and Co managed to get over the eerie atmosphere in Turin to secure a crucial victory in the race for the Serie A title.

Aaron Ramsey and Paulo Dybala scored as Juventus beat Antonio Conte's Inter 2-0 - the players later applauded the empty seats with smiles on their faces.

The result leaves the Old Lady a point ahead of rivals Lazio, and nine in front of Inter, with 12 games still to play.

Former Real Madrid and Manchester United frontman Ronaldo certainly deserved a quiet smile after a difficult week for his family ended well.

He flew back to Madeira to be with mum Dolores Aveiro in hospital after she had a stroke and emergency surgery.

But within days the 65-year-old posted she was "recovering well" and hoped to resume normal life soon after suffering no long-term damage.

Ronaldo, 35, thanked fans for their support and asked for privacy as his mum received treatment.

For tonight, though, he is focused on Juve reclaiming top spot as they bid for their ninth Italian crown in a row.

The coronavirus outbreak has decimated Italy's sporting schedule as much as daily life, while deaths in the country from Covic-19 surged up by 133 to 366 in the past 24 hours.