The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo has only made Croatian footballer Mario Mandžukić shine at Juventus even more. 

Over the past few months, especially before and after the World Cup, it was speculated that because of the enormous physical strain, Mario Mandžukić would retire from Juventus. 

Though that speculation couldn’t be any further from the truth. 

On Monday, Mandžukić has never been closer to extending his contract with Juventus at 32 years of age, reports Goal.hr on October 15, 2018. 

Juve fans and Italian media have grown infatuated with Mandžukić after his stellar World Cup performance - and though many believed his time would be cut short after the arrival of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to the club, Mandžukić has only gotten better. And although Mandžo turned 32 years old back in May, the club does not want to replace the warrior who is now in his fourth season in the famous black and white shirt. 

The club leaders began negotiations with Mandzukić's agents to look into the situation before they come up with a specific offer.

Mandžo’s contract already lasts until 2020, though the club's desire is to extend it for another year. Mandžukić’s brilliant form and overall great games have proven important for the concept and style of Massimiliano Allegri, who always believed in the number 17 and gave him the responsibility in the biggest games, either on top or at the left wing.

In recent years, football fans near and far began appreciating Mandžo’s work ethic for the team and the basic concept he’s insisted on his entire career: "It does not matter how many I score, what I give to the team and that we win is most important." The qualities of a leader.

"Mario is incredible, I love him! I do not have much more to say about him," said Juventus president Andrea Agnelli. An expression of respect, appreciation and gratitude.

Juventus bought Mandžukić over in 2015 for 21 million euro from Atletico Madrid. At Juventus, Mandžukić earns a net salary of five million euro a year - a figure that wouldn’t necessarily scare away Manchester United and Jose Mourinho, who has always praised the Croatian football. If you recall, there was some shameless contact back in June.

Mandžo, however, did not want to leave the Old Lady - and with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mandžo has only gotten better! With four goals in nine games at the beginning of the season, a contract extension is simply a formality.