All- Star game devoid of stars
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Atlanta, July 31: The MLS All- Star Game will feature one of the world’s most storied clubs.
Unfortunately for the more than 70,000 fans expected at Mercedes- Benz Stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo is not along for the ride.
After Portugal’s elimination from the World Cup and his transfer from Real Madrid, the five- time Fifa Player of the Year took time off rather than accompany Juventus on its American preseason tour, which includes Wednesday’s night’s game against top players from Major League Soccer.
The decision will surely be a disappointment to the big crowd that had hoped Ronaldo would make his unofficial debut while touring the United States with the Italian club that has won seven straight Serie A championships.
Juventus acquired the 33year- old from Real Madrid on July 10 in a deal his new club said was worth $ 131.5 million — the largest for a player older than 30.
Also sitting out the US tour, which includes three other exhibitions, is Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain. He is coming off a scoreless World Cup in which he didn’t start in the round of 16 loss to eventual champion France.
“Obviously these guys are world- class players,” said Atlanta United’s Brad Guzan, a goalkeeper for the MLS team.
“With or without them, it will be a difficult game. But their names alone bring a lot of attention. It’s a shame for everybody on the outside. For me, personally, hopefully it makes for an easier night.”
Most players take three weeks off after the World Cup. Juventus opens its Serie A schedule at Chievo Verona the weekend of August 18 to 20 .
“We are sorry not to have the Ronaldo, and Higuain as well,” Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said through a translator.
“Unfortunately, played in the World they Cup. They needed some days to rest.” Ronaldo and Higuain won’t be the only big names missing from the game.
One of MLS’ top new stars, LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, announced on Tuesday that he’s skipping the All- Star match rather than make a crosscountry trip to Atlanta.
The 36- year- old Swede cited the grind of playing three matches in an eightday span as reason for his pull out.