Socrates

Pogba, City offer Juve €80m Jun 12, 2015 The bid for Juventus' Paul Pogba has now reached €80m as reports emerge of a new offer by Manchester City. The 'gold nugget' of French football, as defined by UEFA President Michel Platini, has been openly courted by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as the Citizens. According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the Premiership club set a new high in terms of the real bids for Pogba. After PSG reportedly put €70m on the table for the player in January, the Sky Blues now emerged with an offer of €80m. The 22-year-old was reported by his prominent agent Mino Raiola to be worth €100m and Juventus are believed by the giornalaccio rosa to be unwilling to consider offers below €85m.

AC Milan Or Juventus: Which Club Brought Out The Best In Andrea Pirlo? Calcio’s great maestro looks set to leave Italy after a glittering Serie A career; but did he produce his best form for the Rossoneri or the Bianconeri? Jun 12, 2015 At the age of 36, Andrea Pirlo is nearing the end of his time at the highest level and it seems almost certain that he will move on to pastures new this summer. His emotions got the better of him as he wept after the Champions League final loss to Barcelona in Berlin, leading to furious speculation over where his future lies. There has been talk of a verbal agreement between the midfield maestro and MLS outfit New York City FC, with only the formalities of scribbling his sought-after signature on a contract remaining. He will always be a revered figure at two clubs in particular: AC Milan and Juventus. But, was Pirlo at his supreme best during his days with the Rossoneri, or did we in fact witness an even better footballer emerge at the Turin giants when in his 30s? Under the expert tutelage of coach Carlo Ancelotti, following his succession of Fatih Terim at the helm a few short months after Pirlo’s arrival from city rivals Inter in 2001, the formerly attacking midfielder quickly turned the deep-lying playmaker role he was handed into an art-form. Conducting the tempo from a position just in front of the defence, the Rossoneri finished fourth in Serie A at the end of his first campaign. Crucially, that meant qualification for the preliminary rounds of the Champions League. Earning the moniker of ‘Metronome’, the Lombardy native’s innate ability to see two or three steps ahead of most other players on the park helped him to a league-high amount of passes played, successful passes and total time in possession of the ball during the 2002-03 season. He also struck a career-high nine league goals, which remains his personal best. That term at AC Milan also saw him claim the first top-class honours of his career in the shape of the Champions League trophy following a penalty shoot-out victory over Juventus, plus the Coppa Italia. It was a watershed moment for the player, as he continued an exponential growth in stature and importance with every season. His first of two Scudetti won with the Rossoneri arrived in 2004, while he also proved integral to the Italian national squad that tasted World Cup glory against the odds in 2006. Pirlo also displayed a steely determination throughout that mid-2000s spell after the Milanese giants blew a three-goal lead in the 2005 Champions League final against Liverpool to eventually lose in agonising fashion on penalties. It was a defeat which devastated the creative genius and his teammates, but redemption came two years later when Liverpool again provided the opponents in the final. This time, Ancelotti’s men deservedly won 2-1 to lay the ghosts of Istanbul to rest. His second Serie A title came along in 2011, but then shock news of his departure from the Stadio Meazza by mutual consent was announced. After 10 sterling years of service, he was inexplicably allowed to move on. A controversial free transfer to Juventus followed, and instead of a steady decline, Pirlo appeared revitalised. Those who had let him leave the San Siro firmly believed they’d jettisoned a waning 32-year-old; but they couldn’t have been more wrong. Maturity allowed Pirlo to slot seamlessly into the Antonio Conte’s side, dominating proceedings from that ‘Quarter-back’ role in which he revelled. Immediately, the Old Lady usurped AC Milan at the top of Serie A. He was voted Serie A Player of the Year on the first of three consecutive occasions after that opening 2011-12 campaign, while also ending up as the league’s leading assist provider. His blistering form continued unabated during Juve’s three further title triumphs in succession, but European success largely eluded the Bianconeri until this term under new coach Massimiliano Allegri. Pirlo suffered a calf injury during the first-leg home win over Borussia Dortmund at the last-16 stage in February. His performances were hampered somewhat on returning six weeks later, but he still offered a calming presence as they halted the hopes of both Monaco and Real Madrid, as well as wrapping up a domestic league and cup double. Disappointment was to follow, though, when Barcelona overcame a spirited Juventus 3-1 to dent Pirlo’s burning ambition to claim a third Champions League trophy. The Bianconeri were searching for a hero to help eradicate the debilitating effects of the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal that rocked the Italian game and saw the Old Lady demoted to Serie B in 2006 — and in Pirlo they recruited the personality best-suited to that task. At AC Milan, he was just one cog in a team full of stars. True, his brilliance shone through on a number of occasions, but his influence wasn’t the crucial requirement for success during his time there. Having developed tremendously during a decade with AC Milan, he was the finished article when he pitched up in Turin and, vitally, arrived with a point to prove. What the midfield magician then did in almost single-handedly dragging Juventus back to the top table of Italian and European football was simply astounding. Even more consistent than ever before and during the first three of four seasons spent at Juventus, Pirlo has been at the heart of everything the Bianconeri have achieved during that period. Therefore, in spite of the two Champions League trophies lifted at AC Milan — and the absence of that particular honour with the Bianconeri — it has to be said that Pirlo reached the absolute peak of his powers in a Juventus shirt.

Bonucci to extend with Juve Jun 11, 2015 Leonardo Bonucci has reportedly agreed a contract extension with Juventus to June 2019. The 28-year-old’s current deal has him tied to the Turin giants until 2017. According to Sky Sport Italia, this extension would add two years and increase his wages to €3.5m per year plus performance-related bonuses. Bonucci has been at the club since joining from Bari in July 2010 and quickly became a fan favourite. He’s surprisingly prolific for a centre-back, mainly due to his strength in the air, scoring 14 goals in 225 games for Juve.

Real Madrid Set For Meeting With Agent Of Juventus Defender Jun 11, 2015 Real Madrid are all set to meet with the agent of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci. Los Blancos are in the market for a new defender, and the name of the Bianconeri’s solid Italian has reportedly been put forward by new coach Rafael Benitez. Tuttosport report that a bid to test Juventus’ resolve is already being prepared, and that also the Spanish club are going to meet with the player’s agent at some point next week to gauge where the 2015 Champions League runner-up stands. If other reports are to be believed, then Juventus could already be working on a replacement for the centre-back, with Massimiliano Allegri looking to bring in former Roma man Mehdi Benatia. 28-year-old Bonucci has featured in 162 Serie A fixtures since his 2010 move to Turin from Bari, hitting the back of the net on nine occasions.

Morata: Khedira Will Prove To Be A Great Signing For Juventus Jun 11, 2015 Juventus striker Alvaro Morata believes that the signing of Sami Khedira will prove to be a good piece of business for the club, while stating that he believes Paul Pogba will remain with the Bianconeri. The German international, who won the World Cup last summer in Brazil, has already signed a four-year deal to join the Italian champions and Morata believes that the addition of his former Real Madrid teammate is a good move by the Bianconeri. “Khedira asked me many things about Juventus before he signed,” the 22-year-old told Cadena Cope. “I’m happy that he is with us, I think he will be a great signing.”

Khedira: ‘Easy Juventus decision’ Jun 11, 2015 German midfielder Sami Khedira admits ‘it was not a difficult decision’ to join Juventus. The World Cup winner will join the Bianconeri when his Real Madrid contract expires, and after last night’s friendly with the USA, gave some thoughts on the move. “Juve are a very ambitious team with great history,” Khedira told Sky. “In past years they had some problems, but now they’re back to being competitive. They had an extraordinary Champions League campaign, including the final. “They win in Italy and want to continue doing so, you can see from the outside that it’s like a big family, and I know that I’ll be welcome. “It wasn’t a difficult decision to make.”

Carlos Tevez urged to decide on Juventus future amid Atletico link Jun 11, 2015 Juventus' general manager Beppe Marotta says his club cannot wait forever for Carlos Tevez to make up his mind about his future amid reported interest from Atletico Madrid. Tevez, 31, has already told Juve that he will not be extending his contract beyond 2016, when he plans to return to Argentina to play for his hometown club Boca Juniors. However, the Argentina forward may leave theBianconeri this summer after it emerged he was in talks with the Spanish club. Atletico coach Diego Simeone said on Wednesday he was "excited" about the prospect of coaching Tevez next season, while Juve are pressing him to make up his mind. "The possibility of him leaving is still very high, but I don't want to put a percentage on it," said Marotta told reporters at the club's museum on Wednesday as he put the Serie A and Coppa Italia trophies in place. "He's a champion; a professional to whom we owe a lot, but we don't have time. We need to move quickly. We're awaiting his answer imminently." Should Tevez move to Atletico, Juve could get Mario Mandzukic in return with Marotta admitting he is "a good player, but I don't have anything other than that to say on him at this time. "We have already made two important signings who fit in well to the system used by [coach Massimiliano] Allegri and we don't need to add many more," Marotta added. "The fans mustn't expect us to do anything extraordinary. What is extraordinary is the journey we have taken in recent years." Juve have already completed the signings of Paulo Dybala from Palermo and Real Madrid's Sami Khedira. That has been taken with Andrea Pirlo, whose future is also unclear. "With him, the situation is similar to that of Tevez," Marotta said. "Andrea has never expressed any desire to leave and we want to continue with him here." Marotta also wants Alvaro Morata to stay in Turin for at least another year. The Spaniard, who insists he is happy Juve, has a clause in his contract which would enable his former club Real Madrid to sign him back at any stage in the next three years for a fee which had already been agreed, but Marotta says that is not going to happen for at least another year. "He's staying with Juventus until 2016," he said. "The agreement signed with Real Madrid last year is clear. In 2016, we'll re-evaluate. All I can repeat is that the future project for Juve is based on the presupposition that we will be keeping a tight hold on our best players." That is music to the ears of midfielder Claudio Marchisio, who hopes the current Juve side will continue going from strength to strength. "Pirlo and Tevez are two great champions and I hope they still have a lot to give for Juve," he said at a news conference while on international duty with Italy. "I hope we don't lose Andrea from the national team either. Then we've got [sami] Khedira, which was a very good bit of business."

Asamoah Targeted By English Premier League Sides Jun 11, 2015 Juventus’ Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah is attracting strong interest from the English Premier League with several suitors ready to move, if the player decides to the leave the Bianconeri. Asamoah has endured a difficult season with Juventus after he picked up a knee injury in November that kept him out of action until he returned to training in late April. According to a report broadcast on SportItalia’s Transfer Special, it was made clear that multiple Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the 26-year-old and waiting for the opportunity to swoop in for the energetic midfielder. Due to his injury problems this season, he has managed just 10 appearances, seven of which came in Serie A. The Ghanaian joined the Bianconeri from Udinese in 2012 and quickly established himself in Antonio Conte’s plans, and now has three Scudetto titles in his three seasons with the club.

Sami Khedira snubbed Schalke after Roberto Di Matteo sacking Jun 11, 2015 New Juventus signing Sami Khedira has said he decided against a move to Schalke following the sacking of Robert Di Matteo. Khedira, who will join Juve on a free transfer from Real Madrid on July 1, had been strongly linked with Schalke for several months, with the club's sporting executive, Horst Heldt, talking up a potential deal on several occasions. However, the Royal Blues suffered a severe dip in form during the final months of the season that saw them miss out on the Champions League and only narrowly qualify for the Europa League. That dismal run led to Schalke indefinitely suspending Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sidney Sam before Di Matteo left the club at the end of the season, having reportedly been sacked despite the club announcing that he had resigned. Germany international Khedira said that, in light of recent events, he had decided against a move to Gelsenkirchen. "I had very, very good talks with Schalke 04, especially with their former coach Roberto Di Matteo, but also with Horst Heldt and [chairman of the board] Clemens Tonnies," Khedira told Sky. "It was under serious consideration, but in the end there was too much turbulence at the club, and the coach was sacked, and that was the main point for me. As a result, it was clear that I'd make the move to Italy." With just over a fortnight to go until Schalke's preseason begins, they are yet to identify a new coach. Markus Weinzierl, who has secured qualification for next season's Europa League with Augsburg, had this week emerged as the favourite to succeed Di Matteo, but on Wednesday evening his current club announced that he had agreed to stay on. Marc Wilmots has also been linked with the job but kicker reported on Thursday that the Belgium coach, who spent time at Schalke as a player, wanted too much power and would not be given the job. Kicker also reported that, despite ongoing talks with Sascha Lewandowski, who managed Bayer Leverkusen alongside Sami Hyypia in 2012-13, there are many in the Schalke hierarchy who would not welcome his appointment. Heldt has so far remained on coy on the situation, and on Wednesday afternoon told the club's official website: "It's the media's job to fuel the issue and they have every right to speculate, but I won't get involved in that speculation, nor will I comment on specific names. "The fact is that we're holding talks with skilled, outstanding and suitable coaches. These talks are all taking place behind closed doors."

Every touch from Sami Khedira's first Germany appearance as a Juventus player Jun 11, 2015 Call it perfect timing or just the rare occurrence, but the person writing this post decided to flip on the Germany-United States friendly on Wednesday about 30 seconds before Sami Khedira stepped onto the field. Maybe it was something meant to be. Maybe it was just dumb luck. But as I kicked up my feet, Khedira kicked up some of the turf as he stepped onto the field seconds before the second half got underway. Yes, now we have a lot more interest in the games that Germany plays. Sorry, but iI's not to watch Manuel Neuer go so far up the field at any given moment he will be forced to be listed as a striker or attacking midfielder. They're essentially all Khedira-related points of interest these days thanks to the 28-year-old German midfielder finalizing his deal to join Juventus earlier this week. Khedira, whose 2014-15 season with Real Madrid was highlighted by missing time due to injury and not much game action at all when healthy, played the entire second half in Germany's 2-1 loss to the United States. ('MURICA, YO.) As you can see from the four-minute-long video above, it was very much a typical box-to-box kind of game from Khedira. He contributed defensively with a couple of nice and timely clearances, and then made a handful of long runs forward to get involved in the Germany attack. His big scoring chance came when he saw his headed attempt clang off the crossbar, which could have very well beaten U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan if it was on target. All in all, a pretty solid showing from Juventus' newest midfielder. And just to keep up with a tradition that dates back much longer than this blog's existence, this compilation comes with questionable music. Can't have it any other way, can we? Nahhhhh.

Tevez receives offer from Paris Saint-Germain The French side have already contacted the Argentine's entourage with a lucrative contract and he will tell Juventus his decision in the near future. Jun 11, 2015 By Romeo Agresti Paris Saint-Germain have made contact with Juventus striker Carlos Tevez and offered him a massive deal in an attempt to lure him to the French capital this summer. The Argentine has been linked to a move to Boca Juniors recently, although Juve are eager to keep him for at least one more season. Tevez has a contract with the Champions League runners-up until June 2016, but PSG are looking to snap him up soon. The Ligue 1 champions have offered the striker a multi-year contract worth €8.5 million per year, with bonuses which could see his salary rise to €9m. At 31-years-old, it could be his last big contract and it is one he will consider before telling Juve his decision in the coming days. However, the Serie A champions will not let their 20-goal striker go cheaply. Juve CEO Giuseppe Marotta says the relationship between Tevez and the club is healthy, but admits the choice is down to the man himself. "This is his way of life, and we will respect it," he said. "Our relationship is fantastic. The possibility that he will stay is very high, but I will not put it into percentages. He is a professional."

'Juventus expecting Madrid move for Vidal' - Marotta The Bianconceri official suspects Rafael Benitez will sanction a bid for the Chilean but the Old Lady are confident of holding onto Paul Pogba. Jun 10, 2015 Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that the Italian champions are expecting Real Madrid to make a move for midfielder Arturo Vidal. Vidal still has two years to run on his contract with the Old Lady but has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Turin, with Manchester United having made a concerted effort to sign the Chile international after last year's World Cup. However, Marotta believes that it is Madrid who are more likely to bid for the 28-year-old, revealing that new Blancos boss Rafael Benitez, who spent the last two seasons in Italy with Napoli, is a keen admirer of Vidal's. "Real Madrid did not make an attempt to sign him but it is probable that Real will do this in the future because Benitez knows Arturo very well," he told reporters on Wednesday. The Spanish side are also reportedly interested in Paul Pogba but Marotta insisted that the Scudetto holdes have no interest in cashing in on the in-demand France international. "We do not need to sell him and I'm sure he's happy at Juventus," he stated. Marotta did admit that the future of Carlos Tevez remains very much up in the air, with the Argentina international being courted by Atletico Madrid, but he is confident that Andrea Pirlo, who has hinted at a move overseas, will see out the final year of his contract. "Andrea did not tell us he wants to leave Juventus, while we will decide about Tevez within 10 days," he added.

Marotta: ‘Pirlo wants to stay. Tevez…’ Jun 10, 2015 Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta assures Andrea Pirlo has not asked to leave, but is less certain on Carlos Tevez. The pair have been linked with a move away from Turin this summer, with Tevez wanted by Atletico Madrid and Boca Juniors. “Tevez? It’s his choice, and we’ll respect it,” Marotta told media at Juventus Museum, as the Coppa Italia and Scudetto were added. “We can’t wait long, and the relationship is fantastic. “As for Pirlo, he hasn’t expressed a desire to leave, that’s important. His contract runs until 2016, and we want him to stay. After he’s back from international duty he’ll let us know. “I repeat: he hasn’t said he wants to leave.” Marotta also gave an indication of the club’s future transfer plans, and warned fans not to expect big names. “We’ve already signed [Paulo] Dybala and [sami] Khedira. I’ll say this to the Juventus fans: don’t expect big names. “Juventus already have big names, we’re champions of Italy for four years running, and we reached the Champions League final. “We’ll hold onto our players who are already decisive.” Would those ‘decisive’ players include Alvaro Morata and Paul Pogba? “He will remain at Juventus until 2016,” Marotta said of the former. “The deal we signed with Real Madrid [with a 2016 and 2017 buyback clause] is clear. We’ll evaluate things in 2016. “As for Pogba, there has been no official interest in him, and I’m convinced that Pogba wants to stay with us. “I’ll say it again, Juve’s future project is based on keeping our best players.”

Bonucci rebuffs AC Milan chairman Berlusconi's jabs: 'We're a cut above' Jun 10, 2015 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has weighed in on a row growing between his club and Serie A rivals AC Milan by suggesting that the Bianconeri's continued success is starting to make people angry. Juve have dominated Italian football over the past four years, while Milan's last Scudetto title came back in 2011. However AC Milan chairman Silvio Berlusconi mocked Juve's failure to beat Barcelona in the Champions League final on Saturday saying that his club have a much better record in Europe. "With me, Milan won the Champions League five times; in these years, Juve have only won one out of the five finals they played," he told Swiss TV channel RSI. "We will be back winning, and we will be back in Europe." To do that, Milan must start to challenge Juventus once again, and Bonucci cannot see that happening in the near future. "We're a cut above Milan right now because we've been winning for the past four years," Bonucci said at a news conference while on Italy duty. "We're starting to get on people's nerves. When Juve win, we become a nuisance. "Juve are the most loved while at the same time being the most hated club. We knew that losing to Barcelona would lead to many of our opponents' fans revelling, and that has happened. It's part of football. All that matters is the affection of the millions of Juve fans throughout the world." While Milan are looking to close the sizable gap between the two clubs next season, the signings of Paulo Dybala and Sami Khedira show that Juve are keen to separate themselves even further from the Rossoneri. Convincing Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez to stay would complete the puzzle, according to Bonucci, and allow them to believe they can go one step further by winning the Champions League next season. "We all hope to see Tevez sat in front of his locker on July 20," Bonucci said. "If he stays, then we'll have an even greater chance of crowning this European dream we've got. Let's hope that Andrea continues. He's a great player and a great person, a man who makes the difference in the dressing room. "We've laughed and joked about his tears after the Champions League final. They weren't a goodbye, they were just sadness at losing because winning would have been quite legendary."

Marchisio: ‘Berlin not a one-off’ May 10, 2015 Claudio Marchisio insists Juventus’ Champions League final was not a one-off, but admits it will be ‘difficult’ to go that far again. The Bianconeri reached the final in Berlin, and though they were ultimately beaten 3-1 by Barcelona, the Italian international looks at the positives. “Was it a one-off? No, but it will be difficult,” Marchisio told journalists at a Press conference while on Italy duty. “There are only two teams in the final, when you reach the last eight you’re facing difficult teams, it’s not easy. “For Real Madrid it was viewed as a failed season, but they made it to the semi-finals. For us, this should be a starting point. “Juventus now has to remain among the top six or eight teams in Europe every year. The final is difficult to reach for everyone, even Barcelona. Marchisio also reflected on the differences between Juve Coach Max Allegri, and national team CT Antonio Conte. “They’re two completely different Coaches, both in terms of approach and style of play. Allegri did well, he accepted a difficult job with only hours of notice. “If we reached the final, then it’s also down to Conte, as the growth started under him. Allegri gave us the belief to compete with the biggest teams in Europe. “Juventus did not surprise me, but we made important strides in the Champions League. Winning breeds winning.”

Marchisio: ‘Welcome Khedira’ May 10, 2015 Claudio Marchisio welcomes Sami Khedira to Juventus, and hopes Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo will stay. The German midfielder has joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer, and his new teammate took a moment to discuss him at a Press conference on Italy duty. “It’s a very good move,” Marchisio said. “The club has been working well in recent years. Almost all of the midfielders came cheap, Sami will be very helpful for us and I’m glad he’s come to Juventus.” There are rumours that Tevez and Pirlo could leave the Champions League finalists, and the Azzurri midfielder wants both to stay. “If there are these rumours, then that’s a bit concerning. They still have a lot to offer Juventus, they’re two great players. “I hope they stay with us.”

Dybala: ‘Not thinking of pricetag’ Jun 10, 2015 Paulo Dybala says he’s not thinking about his €40m pricetag, and is concentrated on proving his worth for Juventus. The Argentinian has signed for the Bianconeri for €32m, with a potential for a further €8m in bonuses, the Turin side’s most expensive signing since Gigi Buffon in 2001. “I’m not thinking about it,” Dybala told assembled media in his hometown of Laguna Larga, after returning for the summer. “I want to enjoy this moment as much as possible. It was a dream of mine to be successful in Europe, and I have been. “It’s clear that this is just the beginning, I want to improve a lot and show my worth.”

Allegri set for Juventus renewal Jun 10, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri is meeting with Juventus today, with a new contract for the Coach expected to be announced. The former Milan man enjoyed a fantastic season with the Bianconeri, winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia, as well as reaching the Champions League final. A meeting is taking place today at the Old Lady’s headquarters, Corso Galileo Ferraris in Turin, with Allegri meeting with director general Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Fabio Paratici. It’s thought the new deal will see the Coach’s contract extended until 2017 on improved terms. The club’s transfer strategy is also likely to be up for discussion, having already secured Paulo Dybala and Sami Khedira for next season.

Simeone: ‘Atleti talking with Tevez’ Jun 10, 2015 Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone says that his club are in talks with Juventus striker Carlos Tevez, who he describes as ‘ideal.’ AS reported today that the Argentina international has told the Bianconeri he is leaving this summer and the 31-year-old has been linked with the likes of Atleti, Boca Juniors and Paris Saint-Germain. In an interview with AS, the Atletico boss said that his club are negotiating with Tevez and that he would love to have him in the Spanish capital. “I haven’t spoken with him, but I know that the club is talking to his agent,” said the former Lazio and Inter midfielder. “I’d be excited to have a player like Tevez as he is ideal for our style of play and our mentality.” Simeone also revealed that his club are close to a deal for Villarreal forward Luciano Vietto, who is believed to be a target for Inter Coach Roberto Mancini. “He is one of our objectives and we’re close to an agreement,” said Simeone. “I hope to have him next season, because he’s a player with fantastic characteristics. “I’ve known him since he was at Racing and it was me that gave him his debut, he reminds me a little of a young David Villa.”

Madrid exit was emotional - Khedira The German revealed his love for the club after departing but is looking forward to his new adventure in Italy. Jun 10, 2015 New Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira has admitted his decision to leave Real Madrid was a hard one but is confident of winning more trophies in Turin. The 28-year-old joined the club in 2010 and was a key figure under Jose Mourinho, but was used sparingly by Carlo Ancelotti after recovering from a serious knee injury suffered in 2013. As a result, the club opted not to renew his contract and he has subsequently joined Juventus on a free transfer, though he harbours no ill-feeling towards his old employers. "It was no easy decision, that's no secret. But it is easier when you are the one who decides," Khedira told reporters on Wednesday. "It was hard, emotional. Everything else would be a lie. But it shows how much I liked it there. "I would be happy if people there would say: 'He is one of us. He is a Madridista.' I did everything for the club for five years, and I hope that people acknowledge that. Real Madrid is in my heart and it will stay there forever. "While I was injured I thought about how and where I would continue my career. Half a year ago it was clear that I wanted a new challenge. It was no decision against Madrid but a decision for something new. "Juve is a fantastic club, a club with a great tradition, a bright present and a promising future. It's no coincidende that the team has climbed among Europe's elite clubs again. I am sure that Juve will compete for titles again in Europe. "I want to play my part in doing so. I am looking forward to a new challenge in a new club, a new league and a new country. I can't wait to get to know the club and my new team-mates." The Germany international moves to Turin on a free and is the Bianconeri's second summer signing following Paulo Dybala's €40 million arrival earlier.

Khedira: ‘Forza Juve!’ Jun 10, 2015 New Juventus signing Sami Khedira says he is excited to play for a club ‘full of champions’ that has such a ‘great history’. The Germany international and World Cup winner joined the Old Lady from Real Madrid on a four-year deal yesterday and took to Facebook to give his first impression of the switch. “Yesterday was a great day!” he wrote on his official Facebook page. “I am happy and excited to say that I will be playing for Juventus for the next few years! “Juventus is a wonderful club with a great history. “With Juve everything seemed to fall in place. My discussions with the Coach and the club were great. “I’m very happy to play in a team full of champions and with unbelievable fans. “It’s a great club with a one of a kind tradition in a very special city! “I am totally looking forward to an exciting time in black and white! Forza Juve! Sami”

Juventus Transfers: Is Khedira a Good Signing for the Bianconeri? Jun 9, 2015 Champions League runners-up Juventus are already starting to build up their squad for next season. The Serie A champions announced the signing of German midfielder Sami Khedira on Tuesday. The German international will part ways with Real Madrid on a free transfer, as he agreed terms on a four-year deal with La Vecchia Signora, according to the Italian club’s official website: Juventus Football Club has today completed the signing of Sami Khedira. The 28-year-old, who will officially join from Real Madrid on a free transfer on 1 July 2015, has agreed terms on a four-year contract which expires on 30 June 2019. Now we are left pondering how Khedira will fit in Massimiliano Allegri’s powerful midfield. The German player was a featured figure in Madrid back in the 2012-13 season. But after some injury troubles and a decline in his form, Khedira was forced to take a backup role over the past couple of seasons. A move to the Serie A will likely be good for his career. However, he will have to battle his way into Juventus’ starting XI. Khedira is used to playing around the center of the field. Primarily a defensive midfielder, he is also able to venture forward into a central-midfielder role. The Bianconeri, however, have a lot of quality players at each of those positions. Andrea Pirlo headlines Juventus’ lineup of skilled midfielders. After Il Architetto, there is young superstar Paul Pogba, Chilean international Arturo Vidal and the anchor of Juve’s midfield, Claudio Marchisio. Khedira is a skilled player, but it's hard to imagine Allegri choosing him over of any of those four players. With that in mind, Khedira’s signing could be a hint that one or even a couple of Juventus’ midfielders might indeed be moving away from Turin this summer. Pogba has been a transfer target for other European giants for a while now. After his marvelous Champions League campaign, the rumors about his future will keep piling up. The latest club to be linked with the French international is Barcelona. Club president Josep Bartomeu recently told Telefoot (h/t ESPN) that his club is interested in the 22-year-old’s signature: "It is true that Pogba is a leading target of ours and obviously we are interested, but I can't say anything more. We are forbidden to recruit players until January, so I can't talk about it." Nonetheless, according to ESPN, Juve’s director general Giuseppe Marotta said that the Serie A champions have no intent of selling their gem: His position is different. Pogba has a multi-season contract, is growing year on year and we need quality players to improve the team. In this case, the desire of the club is predominant over that of the player. Our rapport is excellent, we don't want to sell him, there are no negotiations and we have no intention of starting any. The other Juventus midfielder recently linked to a move away from the club is playmaker Pirlo. The 36-year-old has been linked with moves to New York City FC and Sydney FC. According to an ESPN FC report, the Italian legend is closer to a move to the United States than to Australia. Allegri himself said he has no idea where Pirlo will be playing after this summer. “As far as Pirlo is concerned, I can't give you an answer I'm afraid,” the Juventus manager said after the Champions League final. Khedira’s place in all this mess will depend on how these potential transfers pan out for Juventus. If both players end up staying with the Bianconeri, Khedira will likely be a rotation player. His presence would allow Allegri the freedom to choose different formations for his midfield, as he would have at his disposal five players versatile enough to play anywhere he needs them to around the middle of the field. If either Pirlo or Pogba leaves, Khedira would likely be used in a ball-winning defensive-midfielder role. In that role, he would have less creative freedom than he had in Madrid. He would concentrate on defending while playing as a link from the defense to the midfield and relaying the creation duties to the likes of Vidal and Pirlo or Pogba (whoever stayed) when his team has the ball. Khedira would be a reliable player in that role. However, it will be interesting to see if he can hold the starting position for long. Juve’s Stefano Sturaro had a solid 2014-15 campaign, and he will be looking for a chance to break into the starting XI soon. At the end of the day, considering it was a free transfer, Khedira was an amazing pickup for Juventus to start the summer.

Khedira should benefit from fresh start at Juventus Jun 9, 2015 If there were ever a player who values the collective over individual play, it is Sami Khedira. For that reason, his arrival to Juventus can be considered another masterstroke by the Old Lady's management team. A warrior with immense intelligence, experience and leadership qualities, the German is bound to inject much-needed value to an already stellar midfield, provided he can recover the form he had before his many recent injuries. Khedira has always been thought of as a box-to-box midfielder but one who prioritises the defence above all else. A man who strives to win back possession, he works for the benefit of the team, carrying out the so-called dirty work to allow those ahead of him to excel with their artistry. Much like Arturo Vidal, Khedira is renowned for his relentless energy and great stamina. While both have proved effective in the final third, the Chilean has disappointed at times this season with his lack of decisive runs. While his determination can never be faulted, he has not been as efficient going forward as he has been in previous years. Before his time with Jose Mourinho, the same was said of Khedira. A player who dedicated himself to the defensive cause, he credits the Portuguese tactician with improving his understanding of the sport, allowing him to have a greater impact on games. He went from being the bustling bundle of energy in midfield who destroys, to a man who showed great appreciation for space, exploiting the opponents' weaknesses going forward while still maintaining his defensive discipline. "Mourinho told me to step back a little, play smarter, more with your head. I used to think I had to slog my guts out to help the team even more. Thanks to Mourinho, I now know that this harmed the team more than it helped. He has made me a strategist," Khedira explained in an interview with the UEFA Champions League magazine. His understanding of the game is especially important when pitted against an energetic side that use pace and physicality to counter-attack. His ability to close down spaces quickly and source potential pitfalls safeguards his team. Moreover, he's effective in organising those around him, allowing the team to press in unison to win back possession. Khedira boasts the kind of character that makes him a leader and one that will happily go toe to toe with the most intimidating of opponents. Alongside Vidal, he and Juventus will be almost impenetrable. But that is not all he can do. Offensively, he occupies space incredibly well to receive the ball in dangerous areas while he is consistently searching for the right defence-splitting pass to launch those ahead of him. With Khedira capable of scoring as well as assisting, some have noted that his offensive development might be the reason behind his poor form this season. According to Graham Hunter, the enjoyment the player derives from going forward has led to defensive indiscipline. After Atletico Madrid's 4-0 derby glory earlier this season, Hunter wrote: "Then there's Khedira. Lumbering, head firmly on how best to move, lucratively and away from Madrid, far from his best form and, as Ancelotti has pointed out to some close to him, utterly opposed to playing in the holding midfield role because he considers himself to be an attacking, creative spirit." Khedira is a leader who has long put the good of the team before his personal desires, so it's bizarre to think ex-Real boss Carlo Ancelotti would utter such words, even in private. The truth of the matter is that the German has felt sidelined and undervalued, forced to accept a bit part role ever since he returned from injury late in the 2013-14 season. His love for the team waned, and his performances reflected his dissatisfaction at the situation, opting to play for himself rather than the unit. Some opined that his relationship with Ancelotti must have been fraught, but the midfielder sought to clarify the situation when he explained that it was those up above who sought to marginalise him, not the tactician who truly needed a player with his capabilities. "I've always felt that I've had the coach's backing, but the message indirectly came through to me that I was no longer needed. I was frozen out and wouldn't have a chance to continue playing," Khedira explained to Marca in an interview. Rested for a year and desperate to recover the form that made him a fan favourite and one of the best in the world in his role, Khedira is looking for another chance. He has arrived at another team with similar ambitions to those of Real Madrid, but one that would allow him to be a leader and would encourage him to return to his previous best. Welcome to Juve, Sami, another immense player signed for free.

Official: Juventus sign Khedira from Real Madrid The 28-year-old will join the Serie A champions on a free transfer on July 1 and has signed a four-year contract. Jun 9, 2015 Juventus have completed the signing of Sami Khedira from Real Madrid. The 28-year-old will move to the Serie A champions on a free transfer on July 1 and has signed a four-year contract. Khedira won one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey trophies, and the Champions League in five years at Madrid but featured just 17 times for Carlo Ancelotti last season as he entered the final year of his contract. Khedira, a World Cup winner with Germany in 2014, was also wanted by Schalke, while Goal understands that there had been long-term interest from both Manchester United and Arsenal.

'Dybala will star at the highest level with Juventus' The forward has signed a deal to join the Serie A champions and his old Palermo team-mate Mato Jajalo has backed him to excel. Jun 8, 2015 Palermo midfielder Mato Jajalo believes Paulo Dybala will waste little time in settling into life at new club Juventus and tipped him to star at the highest level. The Argentine attacker has agreed to join the Serie A champions in a deal which could eventually rise to a value of €40 million. However, Jajalo has no doubt that his old team-mate could prove to be worth every penny for the beaten Champions League finalists. "Believe me, Dybala is really an excellent player. He is definitely a player for Juventus," the 27-year-old told Goal. "I'm glad he made the transfer. He is a great guy who, I'm sure, will succeed at the highest level. He will adjust without a problem at Juventus." When asked what kind of forward Juve fans can expect to see in Dybala, Jajalo was quick to highlight his pace as a major asset. "He is very agile, clever and a really dangerous striker," he said. "He can overtake a player easily and score. "We will miss him next season - Juventus have done a really god job." Dybala, 21, managed 13 goals and 10 assists in 34 Serie A starts for Palermo this season.