New Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui has weighed in on the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time since the Portuguese star’s shock transfer to Juventus.

“Cristiano is one of the most important players in the club’s history,” the man who replaced Zinedine Zidane this summer said. “He expressed his intention to go and the club facilitated his exit, recognizing the legacy he has left behind.”

Ronaldo’s departure has left a huge hole for Madrid to fill. However, Lopetegui says he’s relishing the challenge of leading the side into a new era.

“When I signed (Ronaldo) still belonged to the club, but soon after he expressed his intention to go.

“It’s an exciting challenge reinventing the team without Ronaldo, making it competitive and capable of winning titles. I have no doubt that it will happen with these players that we have.”

Madrid have been linked with several strikers as observers wonder how Ronaldo’s near 50-goal average per season will be replaced – he managed 44 across all competitions last season – but Lopetegui played down the possibility of a replacement being signed.

“We won’t talk about hypotheticals,” he said. “The reality is that I am convinced by the team I have. I prefer not to talk about things that haven’t happened.”