The "big gap" left by Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid revealed

Cristiano Ronaldo's departure clearly had a major impact on Real Madrid's pitch.

Los Blancos struggled to replace the Portuguese superstar and had a disappointing season while Ronaldo continues to impress for his team at the head of Juventus in Serie A.

But it turns out that the departure of Ronaldo and his family also left a major void off the pitch in the Spanish capital.

In an interview in Spain, the wife of Brazilian left-back Marcelo revealed that Ronaldo's departure had left a "big gap".

His comments also fueled rumors that he would be willing to leave Real Madrid to end up with his former teammate at Juventus.

"We feel it because we get along really well with her family," Clarice Alves told Mundo Deportivo.

"I know his mother well and Georgina (Rodriguez) is charming. Plus, my son is really good friends with Cristiano's son, Junior.

"So, that left us a big void."

Given the close relationship between families, it would not be surprising to see the couple come together if Real Madrid decided to separate from the 30-year-old.