Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui insists they can handle the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Just days after being appointed Real coach, Lopetegui was overseeing the sale of Ronaldo to Juventus.

He said, "When I signed for Madrid he still belonged to this club but shortly after he said he wanted to leave and his departure was made.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most important players in the recent history of Real Madrid and the legacy he leaves is extraordinary, but the greatness of the club is above everything and everyone. As a coach, the challenge of reinventing the team after the departure of a player like Cristiano is very nice."

Lopetegui has declared he will be leaning on Gareth Bale this season.

"We are convinced that Gareth is going to give us his best version this season. He is delighted to stay at Real Madrid."