Juventus powerbroker Lapo Elkann says he remains friends with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo left Juve in August for a return to Manchester United.

“Ronaldo is a friend, I retain affection and respect for him and there's certainly some regret at seeing him leave, but the truth of the matter is that our friendship remains unchanged," Elkann told Sky Italia.

“I can say he's a great person, a generous man and had a really difficult life growing up. He remains the King of football.

“I send him a big hug and hope he does well for Manchester United, but I ask him just one thing: don't score against Juventus!"