Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed his disappointment that Cristiano Ronaldo left Serie A to rejoin Manchester United in the summer.
The Portuguese star had spent three seasons in Italy with Juventus before it became clear that he had no intention of continuing with the Bianconeri.
He secured a late move to Manchester United where he has so far scored seven goals in all competitions. His side face Gasperini’s Atalanta in the Champions League group stage on Tuesday evening.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of the match, Gasperini explained that he always wants to see the best players come to Italy and it is a shame when they leave.
“He brought value to our league,” Gasperini said. “Personally I was sorry that he returned to England because I always hope that the best players will come to Italy, even if perhaps it would have cost us a few goals.”
In the first group game between the two sides, Atalanta lost a 2-0 lead in the second half to lose 3-2, with Ronaldo scoring the winning goal.
