Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo missed the Juventus training session today, in preparation for the return leg of the Italian Cup semi-final against Milan, due to his travel to his hometown, the Portuguese city of Madeira, to visit his mother who suffered a stroke, according to local media in Portugal.
"All we can say is that he was not trained for personal reasons," Juventus told France Presse, without elaborating.
The Portuguese newspaper "Diario de Noticias da Madeira" reported that the player who won the Golden Ball award five times arrived in Funchal, the provincial capital, at noon today, on a lightning visit, which would allow him to return to Turin tomorrow to participate in the cup match.
Dolores Aveiro, Ronaldo's mother, 65, was treated at Dr. Nelio Mendonsa Hospital in Funchal during the early hours of the morning after a stroke, as she was conscious and in stable condition. Ronaldo, 35, has a close relationship with his mother, especially after his father's death nearly 15 years ago. Juventus is counting on his star for the match, especially as the first leg in San Siro ended in a 1-1 draw.