Socrates

Agnelli: “Nobody unsellable” http://www.football-italia.net/68813/agnelli-“nobody-unsellable”? Jul 7, 2015 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli says none of his players are unsellable until the transfer market is closed. Both Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal have been heavily linked with moves away from Turin this summer, and Agnelli used the example of Christian Vieri to fuel these rumours. “Is Pogba unsellable? In football nothing is definite,” he said to Tuttosport. “I remember for example, years ago we wanted to keep Vieri at Juventus. “The representative, my uncle, called Luciano Moggi and heard him say ‘The player is unsellable.’ “And then, a few days later, Vieri was transferred to Atletico Madrid. “Therefore my players are only unsellable from September 1.”

Marchisio: I can't be Pirlo's heir The 29-year-old feels he is not the right man to replace the playmaker as he is a different type of player. http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2015/07/07/13365702/-? Jul 7, 2015 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has conceded he is not the man to replace Andrea Pirlo following his team-mate's move to New York City FC. Pirlo's four-year stint at Juve officially ended when New York City revealed they had signed the 36-year-old on Monday. Marchisio, who has been at Juve since age seven and signed a new deal until 2020 on Monday, said it was not his aim to fill the void left by Pirlo. "I cannot be Pirlo's heir because I am very different from Andrea," Marchisio said at a press conference. "That would apply even if I had played in the same position. "I would like to spare a few words for Andrea, for everything he gave us and because he really made us grow as a team. "He was a very important player for me. In these few last years I saw him playing in front of the defence and he really helped me. "I do not have his characteristics, but I have learnt a lot from him and as a result everything was easier."

Barcelona will not sign Pogba this year, says Bartomeu The Catalans had an €80 million bid for the player turned down last week and won't be making an improved offer this summer. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/07/07/13365862/-? Jul 7, 2015 Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu says the Catalans will not sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba in 2015. The Champions League holders are keen to lure the 22-year-old to Camp Nou but saw an €80 million offer for the midfielder turned down last week. Barca were expected to launch an improved bid but Bartomeu revealed any deal for Pogba is now on hold until January next year at the earliest. "We will not buy Pogba this year," the current Barcelona president told reporters. "We are not planning with him for next season. He is not part of our sporting plans for 2015-16 at this stage." Juventus president Andrea Agnelli hinted on Monday that the France international could still be on the move this summer, which could encourage several other clubs to make bids. Barcelona announced the capture of Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth €41m on Monday after recently securing the services of Aleix Vidal from Sevilla. However, the club are banned from fielding new signings until January after being found guilty of irregularities in the sgning of youngsters from overseas last year.

Andrea Pirlo improved Juventus' culture and will be missed http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2514451/andrea-pirlo-will-be-missed-at-juventus? Jul 6, 2015 "Being a Juventino is to carry oneself with pride and dignity. Till the very end as President [Andrea] Agnelli would say," wrote Andrea Pirlo in his book I Think Therefore I Play. A player of immense ability, a magician with the ball and a leader off it, Italy's great playmaker has waved goodbye to Juventus and its adoring fans to begin a new adventure with New York City FC in MLS. A man who arrived from the red and black side of Milan, Juventus were once the enemy. However, having landed in Turin, he not only revived his career but the Juve mentality, bringing world class ability and insatiable hunger for success back to the Turin giants. Alongside goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, he brought back leadership into the dressing room, he taught the youngsters, laughed with the veterans and grew attached to the directors, especially Agnelli. Sharing a love for success and an obsession with trophies, Pirlo began to view Juventus through the eyes of the president, falling in love with the Old Lady and realising her worth. "Andrea made an excellent first impression on me and I'd like to think the feeling is mutual. It was love at first sight; something that was in no way guaranteed when you consider where I was arriving from," explained Pirlo in his book. Juventus became something more than a football team; it became an ideology, a way of being and a philosophy Pirlo believed in. He defended the Old Lady passionately and learned to believe that everything she had won was not only merited but undeniably deserved, having observed her traditions, her handwork and her discipline. "Buffon, Chiellini, Marchisio: when you look at those guys you realise just where you are. They're always happy, always ready to involve and excite you with their infectious enthusiasm," Pirlo wrote. "A dressing room where hard work is the order of the day. Where the spirit of sacrifice is an absolute must, not a request where you can shake your head and say 'no.'" That is why, he insists, he wore the t-shirt with the slogan "30 titles won on the pitch" etched on the front. "If you're not a Bianconero, or if you don't become one as I did, you'll never understand." Most of those who are not associated with the club never will, but there is a reason why clubs like Juve will never die, regardless of whatever punishments or scandals they may suffer. Class is eternal and for unique players such as Pirlo, he can relate. Upon his arrival in 2011, the club's tactics were changed. Antonio Conte, who had just been hired as coach that same year, was heralded for his 4-2-4 formation in previous managerial roles, but he opted to change shapes in order to allow Pirlo to make the desired impact, and the playmaker duly impressed. Setting the rhythm, controlling the pace and delivering those perfect long-range passes, Pirlo finished the season having provided the highest number of assists in the league (13) and completing 2,643 passes, 500 more than any other Serie A player. Like a phoenix, Juventus rose from the ashes and not only pipped Milan to win their first title since Calciopoli but did so with the player the Rossoneri discarded. Wearing the Bianconeri jersey, Pirlo continued to impress both in domestic and European competitions, winning Serie A player of the year for three consecutive seasons in 2012, 2013 and 2014. His ability to produce magic to aid those ahead of him, as well as finish from his trademark free-kicks, made him a reference point for Juve, the player all opponents feared for he could not be stopped, giving the Old Lady back her glamour. Even in this past season, one spent recovering from a few injuries and perhaps one played at a lower level, Pirlo still knew how to make the difference. He scored the winner against Torino in the Derby della Mole in November 2014 and who could forget the sensational screamer against Atalanta in February? Yet despite the goals, assists and ingenious creativity, in the wonderful words published on the Juventus website, "Pirlo is a player -- a man -- who could never be summed up with mere statistics." Grazie Maestro, for the many happy moments shared, for the tears you shed and the love you showed. It is you who helped catapult Juventus back to the top of European football and for that, the club will forever be grateful. Fino all fine, forza Juventus.

Allegri Excited To Get Started After Juventus Extension http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/allegri-excited-to-get-started-after-juventus-extension/? Jul 6, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has declared his happiness following the extension of his contract with the club. The 47-year-old joined La Vecchia Signora at the start of the 2014/15 Serie A season following the departure of Antonio Conte, and has had a very successful first season with the club after winning the league title along with reaching the Champions League final. His contract extension means he is now tied to the Bianconeri until 2017, which Allegri announced he was very happy about. “One more year together: Thanks Juventus! I can’t wait to get started,” he tweeted. Massimiliano Allegri ✔@OfficialAllegri Un anno in più assieme: grazie @juventusfc, non vedo l'ora di ricominciare!

Agnelli: Marchisio Is Already A Juventus Legend http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/agnelli-marchisio-is-already-a-juventus-legend/? Jul 6, 2015 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli spoke after the official announcement of Marchisio’s renewal, praising the midfielder’s longevity and loyalty to the club. Marchisio signed a long-term deal that will see him remain at the club until 2020, after first joining the the Bianconeri first team in 2006. The Italian would however have to wait until the 2008-09 campaign, when he finally broke through following a two-year loan stint with Empoli. Agnelli spoke at a press conference when the announcement of Marchiso’s contract was made, commending the 29-year-old’s great service to the club. “The whole day is dedicated to Marchisio,” Agnelli told the press. “He has spent so many years with the club, going from the youth team to the first team and even wearing the captain’s armband. “Marchisio is already a legend despite not even being 30 years old yet, and has already reached 300 caps. “With this five-year renewal, he now becomes one of Juventus’ elder statesmen; it is both an honour and a responsibility.”

Marchisio: ‘I can’t replace Pirlo’ http://www.football-italia.net/68792/marchisio-%E2%80%98i-can%E2%80%99t-replace-pirlo%E2%80%99? Jul 6, 2015 Claudio Marchisio says his ‘different characteristics’ mean he can’t replace Andrea Pirlo for Juventus, and praised the outgoing playmaker. On the day it was confirmed that Pirlo will leave Turin to continue his career in MLS, it was announced that Marchisio has signed a new five-year deal. The Italian international often deputised for his compatriot in the regista role last season, but says he can’t be a direct replacement for the veteran. “I can’t be Pirlo’s heir, because I’m a completely different player to Andrea,” Marchisio explained in a Press conference to announce his renewal. “The most we share on the park is if we’re in the same position. “I would like to say a few words about Andrea though, for everything he’s given to Juventus, as we’ve grown, because he was a very important player. “For me too, because in recent years, playing this role in front of the defence, I’ve watched him every day, and it’s helped me so much. “I don’t have his characteristics, but to learn from a champion like him has made it even easier to take to the pitch.”

Juventus hint at Pogba exit The Serie A champions denied that a deal with Barcelona had been put in place following talks last week, and their president has now suggested he could yet leave this summer. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2015/07/06/13351842/-? Jul 6, 2015 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has hinted that Paul Pogba could leave the club this summer. Goal understands Manchester City are ready to set a new world record transfer fee in order to land Pogba, although it is believed the midfielder would prefer a move to Barcelona. Paris St-Germain are also closely monitoring the situation, despite the fact that the French international has four years left on his current contract at Juventus Stadium. Only last week, Juventus publicly denied reports that a deal had been put in place with European champions Barcelona, who would be likely to let Pogba stay in Turin for another year due to their transfer ban. But Angelli has moved to lower expectations of him remaining with the club beyond the close of the transfer window. "Nothing is 100 per cent in football, players are not for sale starting from September 1," he said at a press conference. "Some years ago we said Christian Vieri was not for sale and he went to Atletico Madrid A few days after..." Pogba started his senior career at Manchester United but left on a free transfer in 2012 after growing frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson. The midfielder, who has represented France at every level, moved to Juventus and has since gone on to win three Serie A titles and, last season, he helped the club reach the Champions League final.

Marchisio: ‘Always wanted Juventus’ http://www.football-italia.net/68790/marchisio-%E2%80%98always-wanted-juventus%E2%80%99? Jul 6, 2015 Claudio Marchsio says he ‘always wanted this shirt’ after renewing his Juventus contract until 2020. The midfielder is a product of the Bianconeri youth system, has been at the club since childhood, and today’s announcement will almost certainly see him end his career in Turin. “It’s a beautiful day, full of emotion,” Marchisio admitted in a Press conference to announce the new deal. “It’s like the emotion I felt in 1993, when I turned up for my first training session. After all these years, I’ve always wanted this shirt, and I’m lucky to be able to continue at this great club for another five years. “This isn’t a point where I feel I’ve arrived, I want to keep moving forward, to continue to win with this great team.” Marchisio then discussed the aims for next season, as well as some moments from his Juve past. “Like every year, we’re expecting a difficult Champions League campaign. This year we achieved a big goal, the final, but we have to keep an eye on the path which has slowly brought us to significant growth. “We want to consolidate this year, to always be among the last eight, because everyone, apart from Barcelona in recent years, has found it very difficult to win it. So that’s our goal. “As for my loyalty to the club, it wasn’t easy, because to come through a big youth system like Juve’s is not easy. “I’ve always said, that as a Juventus fan I suffered for a year in Serie B, but if definitely helped me. I’m always available to try and give my best in any role, for any Coach. “Having Juve in my heart has always given me that extra energy to always give my all, not just in every game, but in every training session too. “That’s what I try to pass on to my teammates, especially the new ones, the idea of never giving up.”

Marotta: ‘Juventus mercato over’ http://www.football-italia.net/68789/marotta-%E2%80%98juventus-mercato-over%E2%80%99? Jul 6, 2015 Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta says the club’s transfer campaign is ‘closed’, and won’t sell Arturo Vidal or Paul Pogba. The director spoke briefly at a Press conference to announce the renewals of Coach Massimiliano Allegri and midfielder Claudio Marchisio, and confirmed there would be no further activity. “We moved before other clubs for our main objectives,” Marotta said. “The transfer market [for us] closes here today. The squad is competitive, there are two players for every position, so we think it’s competitive. “The Vidal talk is just rumours, we have a good relationship with Real [Madrid, linked with the player], but these rumours are utopian. “As for Pogba, I’ve already spent so much time talking about this - Juventus will not sell the best players in our squad.” Marotta also joined club President Andrea Agnelli in bidding farewell to Andrea Pirlo, but insists the midfield is not weakened by his move to New York City. “Today is a day of nostalgia for Pirlo, who played pure football, recognised by everyone, we must recognise that, he’s not easy to replace. “The starting midfield has quality, and is athletic, with Pirlo’s exit, [sami] Khedira comes in, with his grit and experience, and with [stefano] Sturaro’s consolidation then we’re on the same level.”

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Claudio Marchisio extends contract through 2020 http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/7/6/8424033/juventus-claudio-marchisio-contract-extension-serie-a Jul 6, 2015 Claudio Marchisio was never going anywhere. I know this because it's one of the easier things in life to figure out. Claudio Marchisio is as Juventino as anybody we've seen put on the jersey in the last decade or two. He grew up here, and outside of a loan spell at Empoli in the 2007-2008 season, bianconero are the only colors he's worn since he was a kid. And it's not like that's about to change — nor should it. Alongside club president Andrea Agnelli, Marchisio, viewed by many as the club's next captain whenever Gigi Buffon chooses to hang up his gloves and retire, has extended his contract with his hometown club through the 2019-20 season. Marchisio, who turned 29 in January, recently exceeded the 300-appearance mark with Juventus and is the latest player from the club's core to put pen to paper on a contract extension over the last 12 months. JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen Agnelli: "@ClaMarchisio8 has signed a five-year contract extension with the club." I will never get tired of writing about Marchisio signing a new contract with Juventus. Never ever. There's surely to be another contract or two before he's off to hang out and flood his Instagram profile with pictures of his kids on a full-time hases, which is good news for all of us. I don't even want to think of a Juventus world that doesn't involve Claudio Marchisio right now. The good thing is, we're still years away from that happening, so nothing more to see here. Marchisio had a huge return to form this past season and was easily been one of Juventus' best players from the opening weekend to when things came to a close in the Champions League final in Berlin. It has come in a variety of different roles, too, with Marchisio being the direct replacement whenever Andrea Pirlo is out of the lineup as well as holding down his usual spot in Juve's midfield. His ability to bounce in between the two spots in the center of the park has been a vital asset to first-year manager Max Allegri, who hasn't been afraid to deploy Marchisio as a regista this season. No matter if his future is as a regista or somewhere else in midfield beyond next season, he will be in the Juventus jersey he has worn for so many years before. Juventus and Claudio Marchisio, some kind of Italian love story that isn't ending any time soon. That's the way it should be, really. JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen .@ClaMarchisio8: "It's a feeling that sits alongside my first training session in 1993. I'm delighted to wear the shirt I've always wanted." Truer words have never been spoken. Claudio Marchisio is Juventus — both on the field and in his heart.

Grazie Maestro: Juventus release moving Pirlo tribute video The Old Lady have paid tribute to the iconic Italy midfielder, who is moving to New York City FC, with an impressive video montage of passes, body swerves and trademark free kicks. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2015/07/06/13348742/-? Jul 6, 2015 Juventus have released a video tribute to Andrea Pirlo after confirming the news that the iconic midfielder has joined New York City FC. Pirlo enjoyed four trophy laden years with the Old Lady, winning four consecutive Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italianas. And the Italian club have shown their gratitude with a video montage of his very best moments, made up of passes, body swerves and, of course, trademark free kicks. Watch the full video below...

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Juventus manager Max Allegri extends contract through 2017 http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/7/6/8900647/juventus-massimiliano-allegri-contract-extension-serie-a-2015 Jul 6, 2015 As it turns out, Juventus President Andrea Agnelli wasn't using Monday's press conference to announce just one contract extension. There was plenty more business to take care of. After praising Andrea Pirlo for the four-year run at the club that has just come to an end, Agnelli announced that Juventus manager Max Allegri has agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2016-17 season. Allegri had originally signed a three-year deal when he took over for Antonio Conte in mid-July last summer, and now sees an extra year — as well as an expected nice bump up in salary — tacked onto his contract with the four-time Italian champions. JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen Agnelli: "@OfficialAllegri has recently extended his contract by a further year." It was certainly a first season in Turin that warranted a raise for Allegri, who arrived in Turin amidst plenty of uncertainty that put him under the microscope. The hiring wasn't a glamorous one nor did it instill a ton of confidence considering what had just happened the season before at his former place of employment. However, Allegri quickly showed that his last job was indeed his last job, and his current was a completely different situation. Allegri not only kept Juventus' run of dominance in Serie A going, but also led the club to its first Champions League final in 12 years as well as its first Coppa Italia title since the 1994-95 season. The domestic double could have been a treble if not for the sheer power of this past season's Barcelona squad, but it's not like Juventus did anything to damage itself on the biggest of European stages. And a lot of that had to do with the work Allegri did to make Juventus more than just a dominant domestic side. He was able to have Juve go between formations from game-to-game, and sometimes make the shift within the game itself. And the squad, which was laden with leaders and experience, showed tactical flexibility to make such an in-game shift look pretty routine from the first time onward. Basically, well earned, Mister, and keep up the good work.

Official: Marchisio renews with Juventus http://www.football-italia.net/68786/official-marchisio-renews-juventus? Jul 6, 2015 Claudio Marchisio has renewed his Juventus contract until 2020, with President Andrea Agnelli saying he’s ‘already a legend’. The midfielder has spent his entire career with the Bianconeri, and seems set to end his career in Turin, signing a contract which will take him up to the age of 34. “Claudio is living every child’s dream,” Agnelli said in a Press conference to announce the renewal. “To come to Juventus at seven years old, and move up every level of the youth set-up, before reaching the first team and also wearing the captain’s armband. “I think if a kid were to imagine the ideal path in a club like Juventus, it would be difficult to do better than that, I think it’s something quite unique in a place like this. “Claudio is already a legend, he’s already part of the museum, and though he’s not yet 30, he’s made over 300 appearances for Juventus, so he’s already among our greats. “Claudio is the point of contact between the Juventus of yesterday and the Juventus of tomorrow. “Even before today he could be considered a senator, but now, with a renewal for the next five years, which means he could end his career at Juventus, he is, in effect, a senator. “This is a great honour, but it also means big responsibilities for Claudio.”

Allegri extends Juventus deal http://www.football-italia.net/68785/allegri-extends-juventus-deal Jul 6, 2015 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli confirms that Coach Massimiliano Allegri has extended his contract until 2017. It was rumoured earlier today that the tactician had agreed terms on a one-year extension to his deal, and the move was confirmed at a Press conference. “Allegri has renewed for one more year,” the patron told the assembled media. “This makes us happy and proud. He had a remarkable first season, we’ve already spoken, and he’s determined to do just as well in his next two years with us.” The Tuscan Coach took over from Antonio Conte last summer, and guided the Turin giants to a domestic double, as well as the Champions League final.

'It was not an easy decision' - Pirlo pens open letter to Juventus fans after sealing New York City FC move The Italian thanked the Juventus president, staff, fans and his team-mates as he said farewell to Turin, admitting he would "never forget the relationship I have" with the club. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2015/07/06/13348122/-? Jul 6, 2015 Andrea Pirlo has admitted he found it difficult to leave Juventus in an open letter written to the club's staff and supporters following his move to New York City FC. The Italian midfielder moved to Turin on a free transfer in 2011 after a decade-long spell at Milan and helped Juventus to this year's Champions League final. Thanking everyone at the club for their support, Pirlo added that he "will never forget the relationship I have with these colours". "It can be difficult to put emotions into words, especially when they involve four years that have been so important in my life," he tweeted. "I can only say a huge THANK YOU to all who have accompanied me and supported me in this adventure: the club, FC Juventus, from our president to every single person that works there; my team-mates of many battles, lots of laughter and some tears; the fans and all those who have always followed us with affection even when things were less beautiful. "Many thanks to all of you. It was not an easy decision, but it's time to start a new adventure, but I will never forget the relationship I have with these colours. Until the end FORZA JUVENTUS."

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Andrea Pirlo signs with New York City FC http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/7/6/8875949/andrea-pirlo-juventus-new-york-city-fc-mls-serie-a-transfers-2015 Jul 6, 2015 As if Andrea Pirlo walking around New York City in a New York Yankees on more than one occasion wasn't enough of a hint, the announcement we've been expecting for days has arrived. Andrea Pirlo, the man who played a huge role in Juventus getting back to the top of the mountain in Serie A, is heading to the United States. Instead of playing out the final year of his contract in Turin, Pirlo, at age 36, is coming to America to play for New York City FC and in Major League Soccer. Juventus announced on Monday that the Maestro's wonderful four-year stint in Turin has come to an end, with Pirlo head to America to close out his storied career. JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen OFFICIAL: @Pirlo_official will continue his career with @NYCFC following four years at Juve The move closes what was a trophy-filled four years in Turin for Pirlo, who arrived on a free transfer in the summer of 2011. He played a huge role in Juventus' revival under Antonio Conte, taking over the center of a new-look Juventus midfield that was sorely lacking his class, passing and overall brilliance. Milan cast him aside thinking he didn't have much left in the tank, but it was Juventus which saw there was still plenty there despite him entering his mid-30s. Pirlo won a Serie A title in all four of his seasons with Juventus, as well as making it back to the Champions League final, which ended up being his 164th and final appearance in black and white stripes. But now it's off to the United States for Mr. Pirlo, where he joins a handful of former European stars, including former Milan teammate and current Orlando City SC midfielder Kaka. Oh what fun they will have playing on a pair of expansion franchises. "It has been an honour and a privilege to have shared these four fantastic seasons with Andrea and all associated with Juventus Football Club wish him the very best for the future," the end of a statement on Juventus' official website read. "Thanks for everything, Maestro, and good luck." Yeah, pretty much. The #GrazieMaestro hashtag on Twitter couldn't be more appropriate now that the anticipated news has become official news.

Pirlo: ‘Thank you Juventus’ http://www.football-italia.net/68784/pirlo-%E2%80%98thank-you-juventus%E2%80%99? Jul 6, 2015 Andrea Pirlo bids an emotional farewell to Juventus, as it’s announced he’s signed for MLS side New York City. The midfielder spent four years with the Bianconeri, helping them to four successive titles, as well as the Coppa Italia and a Champions League final. “It’s difficult to turn these emotions into words,” Pirlo posted on his official Twitter account. “Especially since they involve four such important years in my life. I can only say a big ‘thank you’ to those who have accompanied and supported me on this adventure. “The club, Juventus FC, from our President [Andrea Agnelli] to every single person who works there, to my teammates in many battles, through much laughter and a few tears, to the fans and all those who showed me affection even in the less beautiful moments. “Thank you, from my heart, to all of you. “It was not an easy decision, it’s time to start a new adventure, but that does not mean that I’ll ever forget the relationship I have with these colours. “Fino alla fine [‘until the end’, the club’s motto], forza Juventus!”

Pirlo to leave Juventus for New York City FC The Italy international has quit the Serie A champions after four successful seasons and will continue his career in MLS. http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/07/06/13345892/-? Jul 6, 2015 Juventus have confirmed Andrea Pirlo has left the club to sign for New York City FC. The Italy international had long been linked with a move to the MLS franchise and the reigning Serie A champions have now made his departure official. "Andrea Pirlo has announced that he will continue his career in the United States, bringing the curtain down on four extraordinary seasons with the Bianconeri," a statement on the official Juventus website reads. "Pirlo has ended his magnificent four-year stay at Juventus after officially completing a move to MLS outfit New York City. "The mercurial midfielder represents the beginning and, until now, the progression of a cycle that has seen the Bianconeri return to the top table of football in Italy and Europe. His visionary passing, pinpoint assists, spectacular goals and masterful free-kicks have been instrumental in the club's continued rise." Pirlo started his professional career with Brescia and also played for Inter, Reggina and Milan before joining Juventus in 2011. He will offically join NYCFC on July 21 as their third designated player with David Villa and Frank Lampard already on their roster. He told NYCFC.com: "I have been wanting this experience for a long time and now that the opportunity materialised I wanted to take it. This is a club on the rise and shares my same hunger to achieve important results in the League. I am hoping to win." New York City FC ✔@NYCFC #NYCFC signs @Pirlo_official: http://bit.ly/1CkTSsN#WelcomePirlo He added: "I had several opportunities to play outside of Italy, but I never had a doubt in picking New York for the enthusiasm of the people that come watch the team. “I met with the coach, Jason Kreis, and he gave me a fantastic impression of the club. He has well defined ideas in mind, and I am sure we will get on well and create a good relationship to train well and try to win together.”

Marchisio Set To Become Heir To Andrea Pirlo http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/juventus-midfielder-set-to-become-heir-to-andrea-pirlo/? Jul 6, 2015 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has reportedly extended his contract with the Turin club and an official announcement is expected on Monday. The 29-year-old’s current deal is due to expire in June 2016 but both Marchisio and the Bianconeri are keen to continue their relationship. According to La Stampa, the new agreement will see the Italian international remain with La Vecchia Signora until the summer of 2019, by which time the player will be thirty-three. Juventus president Andrea Agnelli is expected to make the announcement, stating that Marchisio “is the heir to [Andrea] Pirlo”. The versatile midfielder is a product of the Juventus youth academy and has made over three-hundred appearances for the Bianconeri since his debut in 2006. He made fifty-two appearances for the club in 2014/15, winning the Scudetto and Coppa Italia, before playing the full ninety minutes in Juve’s Champion’s League Final defeat to Bracelona.

Allegri close to Juventus renewal http://www.football-italia.net/68778/allegri-close-juventus-renewal? Jul 6, 2015 It’s reported Coach Massimiliano Allegri has agreed terms on a new contract with Juventus, running until 2017. The tactician was brought in last summer on an initial two-year deal, and took the Bianconeri to the brink of a treble in his first season, winning the Scudetto and Coppa Italia, then losing the Champions League final. Sky reports that the Tuscan tactician has agreed a new deal with the Turin giants, adding another year to his deal, which will see him remain on the bench until 2017. The news outlet believes that the deal will be officially signed in the coming hours, but is essentially a formality at this point in time.

Juventus set to announce Claudio Marchisio's contract extension on Monday http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/7/6/8896617/juventus-set-to-announce-claudio-marchisios-contract-extension Jul 6, 2015 For most of the summer, Juventus' Twitter account has been re-telling us about things that already took place over the last 10 months. You know, stories and photos about some of the magic moments that happened over the course of the 2014-15 season, one that saw Juve win their fourth straight Scudetto, a 10th Coppa Italia and make it all the way to the Champions League final. Sunday brought us a little different kind of thing. Like, an important announcement being on the horizon. JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen Andrea Agnelli and @ClaMarchisio8 will hold a press conference tomorrow at #JStadium. Hmmmm, I wonder what that could be about... Here's a hint: Claudio Marchisio is coming back from vacation, and it's just so convenient that he'll be flying into the Turin airport in just a matter of hours. There have been plenty of rumblings regarding Marchisio singing a brand new contract extension, keeping the Turin-born midfielder right where he is as he approaches his mid-30s. So, when you see a press conference set for Monday afternoon with Marchisio and Juventus President Andrea Agnelli both at the podium with microphones in front of their faces, it's pretty easy to put two and two together. Yeah, it equals a contract extension announcement for Il Principino. Not that it comes as a surprise that Marchisio is about to extend his contract another handful of seasons. Of all the players who are currently on the Juventus roster, he's about as much of a lock to finish his career right where it started. Gigi Buffon will retire a Juventus player, and every single indication is that the same will be said when it comes to Marchisio. He's grown up at the club, he's broken into the first team and he's now one of their most important players regardless of what position he plays. The future captain is getting a new contract. And we're all about to celebrate it along with him. Sounds like a nice way to spend a Monday to me.

Raymond Domenech: 'Paul Pogba worth just as much as Gareth Bale' http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-city/transfer-talk/news/domenech-pogba-worth-as-much-as-bale_232036.html Jul 5, 2015 Former France boss Raymond Domenech has argued that Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is worth just as much as Real Madrid's Gareth Bale. Bale became the world's most expensive player at £86m when he made his switch from Tottenham Hotspur to Spain, and Domenech believes that reported Manchester City target Pogba would command much the same fee. "£80m, £50m, £10m – there's no more difference after that," said Domenech, according to the Daily Mail. "It means nothing. What you saw with Real Madrid paying €100m for Gareth Bale, you say for a player like Pogba you can give the same, no problem. "In my opinion he can play in Italy, in Spain, in England. He would be the best in all the teams." Pogba originally moved to Juventus in 2012 after failing to agree a new contract with Manchester United.

Manchester City To Challenge Barcelona With Mega Bid For Paul Pogba http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/manchester-city-to-challenge-barcelona-with-mega-bid-for-juventus-star/? Jul 5, 2015 Manchester City would be looking to challenge Barcelona, over the signature of Juventus’ Paul Pogba, with a mega bid. Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has already confirmed an €80 million bid for Pogba from Barcelona. Reports have also suggested a gentleman’s agreement between both clubs for the transfer of the player in 2016. These reports have not deterred Manchester City however, with the Premier League club preparing to lodge a colossal €100 million bid for the capture of the 22-year-old Frenchman, according to the Mirror. Although Barcelona sporting director Ariedo Braida confirmed that Barcelona’s Pogba bid had been rejected, the Blaugrana intend to continue their pursuit of the Juventus ace. Pogba, himself, recently dismissed reports linking him with a move to Barcelona in a long interview for Soccer360. Pogba made 40 appearances in all competitions for Juventus last season, scoring 10 goals and helping the Bianconeri to a domestic double and the Champions League final.

Marchisio to renew with Juve http://www.football-italia.net/68736/marchisio-renew-juve? Jul 5, 2015 Claudio Marchisio is expected to renew his Juventus contract until June 2019. An announcement is imminent for the extension with the Bianconeri youth product. Marchisio came up through the academy and became a first team regular during the 2006-07 Serie B campaign. The club has been very active so far this summer, signing Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Norberto Neto, Daniele Rugani and Simone Zaza. Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez, Marco Storari and Simone Pepe have moved on.