Socrates

Marchisio: I want to stay at Juventus The Italy international has downplayed suggestions that he could be on the move this summer and has stressed that he is keen to stay at the Bianconeri. Jun 3, 2013 Claudio Marchisio has insisted that he has no intention of leaving Juventus any time soon amid reports that he could be on his way out of the Serie A champions if a good offer comes in. General director Giuseppe Marotta further fueled speculation that Marchisio could be on the move this summer when questioned about the midfielder's future at the weekend, but the Italy international has stressed that he is happy with life at his current club. "I want to stay at Juventus. I want to keep fighting for silverware and win things with the club where I grew up," Marchisio told Tuttosport. Marotta discussed Marchisio's future on Saturday and, although he stated that Juventus are not a selling club, he refused to rule out a summer exit for the midfielder. "Juventus are not a selling team. We want to win trophies and build a team that keeps getting stronger. Marchisio started at this club as a little boy and has Juventus DNA," Marotta told reporters. "We have to respect our budget, but the goal is to raise the level of the team. Of course, the will of the player also plays an important role, though..." Nevertheless, Marchisio seems to have little interest in leaving the club following his latest comments. The 27-year-old has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2016.

Higuain: 'Wonderful' Juve with Llorente Jun 2, 2013 Gonzalo Higuain again fuelled links with Juventus by declaring “it’d be wonderful” to partner Fernando Llorente in Turin. The Argentine striker announced last night that he was going to leave Real Madrid and confirmed the Bianconeri have made an offer. “There is absolutely no chance of me staying in Madrid. I have made my decision,” Higuain told Spanish media today. Juventus have already signed Llorente as a free agent from Athletic Bilbao for next season and Higuain was asked if he’d like to form a new partnership with him. “It’d be wonderful. We’ll see what happens.” Higuain has shot to the top of the wish-list, as Fiorentina will only accept €30m cash for Stevan Jovetic.

Barzagli to miss Confederations? Jun 2, 2013 Andrea Barzagli could miss out on the Confederations Cup, as there are concerns over his Achilles tendon. The Juventus defender has been one of the stars of the Scudetto-winning campaign, but in recent weeks has struggled with a recurring Achilles tendon injury. According to the latest reports from the Coverciano training ground, Barzagli is still not 100 per cent fit and might not be risked for the tournament in Brazil. Coach Cesare Prandelli has to hand in the final 23-man squad for the Confederations Cup tomorrow, so a decision must be made quickly. The competition runs from June 15-30, while before that Italy play the Czech Republic in the World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Moggi: 'Juve had Cristiano Ronaldo' Jun 2, 2013 Luciano Moggi claims Juventus had already secured Cristiano Ronaldo when Marcelo Salas ruined the deal. The former Bianconeri director general insisted he had snapped up one of the best players in the world back in the summer of 2003. “It’s true, we had got Cristiano Ronaldo,” said Moggi at a publicity event. “We took Salas to Sporting Lisbon and Ronaldo had a medical in Turin. Then Salas suddenly turned down the transfer and in the end Ronaldo signed for Manchester United.” Inter had also been in advanced negotiations for the Portuguese international before he opted for Old Trafford. Moggi praised current Juventus President Andrea Agnelli, as “he worked with us for 12 years and proved he knew how to lead a club. “He often talks to us and remembers when he went to the games with his Dad. He took the helm because the club wasn’t winning anymore, but with him there is a breath of fresh air.”

Marotta: 'Marchisio's intention counts' Jun 1, 2013 After reports of interest from Manchester United and Monaco, Juventus said “only Claudio Marchisio’s intentions matter.” The last few weeks and the emergence of Paul Pogba pointed to a potential sale for the Italian international midfielder, who is valued at €25m. “Is Marchisio not for sale? We always said the player has Juventus DNA and so therefore only his intentions matter,” director Beppe Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. “As far as we are concerned, we have no intention of selling him. You should know that we at Juventus do not just sell anyone, so for the moment Marchisio will stay where he is.” This comment does leave the door open for an exit if Marchisio requests a transfer, so Juve are putting the responsibility back on to his shoulders.

Marchisio awaits Monaco offer Jun 1, 2013 Monaco are on a spending spree and Juventus are thought to be awaiting an official €25m bid for Claudio Marchisio. The midfielder grew up in the Bianconeri youth academy and had been untouchable until this summer, when Paul Pogba exploded on to the scene. Manchester United have also been linked with Marchisio, but Monaco are emerging as contenders for his signature. Newly-promoted into Ligue 1 under Coach Claudio Ranieri, Monaco have already spent approximately €120m this week thanks to billionaire owner Dmitry Ryboloviev. They signed Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid for €50m, plus Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez from Porto for a combined €70m.

Monaco offer €25m for Marchisio May 30, 2013 Monaco are preparing a €25m bid for Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio, reports in the French Press have claimed this afternoon. L'Equipe have revealed that the nouveaux riche Ligue 1 team will hope to lure the Italy international to the principality by offering him €6m per season – double what we currently earns for the Bianconeri. Claudio Ranieri's men have already splashed out James Rodriguez, Joao Moutinho, Radamel Falcao and Ricardo Carvalho this summer, and hope to make Marchisio their latest big-money signing.

Pogba: 'Sir Alex warned me' May 29, 2013 Paul Pogba has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson tried to talk him out of joining Juventus. “He said they were all racist.” The French international midfielder has become a fan favourite in Serie A and at the age of 20 already a key player in the Scudetto-winning team. He arrived last summer on a free transfer from Manchester United after struggling for playing time. “Ferguson shouted at me and said: ‘Where are you going? To Juve, to Italy? Do you know what there is out there? They’re all racist,’” Pogba told France Football. “He said the fans were not like they are in England. I replied there was racism everywhere, so I just wanted to play football so I could gain experience and improve. “Ferguson noted ‘ok’ and then never let me play for Manchester United again.”

Chiellini: Racism must be eradicated The Juventus centre-back has called for racist chanting and violence in stadiums to be stamped out from both the game and society at large. May 29, 2013 Juventus defender Giorgo Chiellini has urged authorities to eradicate the problem of racism in football. The issue has reared its head once more in Italy this year, with AC Milan’s Kevin-Prince Boateng walking off in a friendly match against Pro Patria in January after he was on the receiving end of racist insults before Mario Balotelli reportedly clashed with Fiorentina fans while boarding a train after Milan’s 2-1 win over Siena on May 19. Chiellini has called for the problem to be stamped out once and for all, but feels that the decision to walk off the pitch in the face of such abuse should be taken by the match officials, rather than the players. “Racism should be eliminated and racist chanting should not be accepted,” Chiellini told reporters. “We cannot make the decision to go off the pitch because everyone has said, referees included, they are there to make decisions on that matter for us and we need to follow their decisions. “I think we need to make a distinction between racism and personal insults, which rightly or wrongly are always present and always will be. Everyone has a target, a Milan player might hate a particular Juventus player or an Inter player, but racism must not go on in the stadiums. “We are really determined to defeat the problem of racism and violence in the stadium, it would be great to defeat those problems, not only sport and football but in our everyday lives.” The problem also surfaced in European competition earlier this season, with Lazio being forced to play Europa League matches behind closed doors after supporters were found guilty of repeated racist chants during matches.

Chiellini: Juventus must improve every area of the team The Italy international feels the Turin powerhouse must continue to improve in order to challenge for top honours again next season. May 29, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini has stressed that Juventus cannot afford to rest on their laurels after their Serie A success in the past two seasons and has urged them to keep on improving. The Scudetto holders have been linked with a number of strikers over the past few weeks as they aim to add some more firepower to their squad, but Chiellini feels their attack is not the only area that needs to be strengthened. "The club is doing its best to improve every area of the team and be in the position to compete at an even higher level," Chiellini told reporters. "We weren’t even in Europe two years ago, yet this season we returned to the Champions League after a lengthy absence and enjoyed a great run. "We breezed through the last 16 and then came up against Bayern, a team that have objectively shown themselves to be the strongest at this current moment. "We now need to continue to improve year on year." Chiellini is currently preparing for the Confederations Cup with Italy.

Pogba: I want to win the Ballon d’Or The Juventus starlet admits he has made mistakes in his short career in Turin, but insists his sole focus is becoming the world’s best player. May 28, 2013 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has set his sights on winning the Ballon d’Or in future following an excellent maiden campaign for the Serie A winners. The France international played a pivotal role in the Bianconeri’s successful title defence this season, although he has grabbed headlines for the wrong reasons on occasion, having been punished for turning up late to training before he was sent off for spitting at Palermo’s Salvatore Aronica in early May. The 20-year-old now admits he regrets his moment of madness, and insists he is focused on becoming a world-leading player for Antonio Conte’s side. “I want to become the best in the world and win the Ballon d'Or. But to do that I have to avoid being late for training and getting suspended,” he told reporters. “Spitting at Aronica? You shouldn’t do it, it's not nice.” Pogba signed for Juventus after struggling to break into Manchester United’s team under Sir Alex Ferguson, but he refuted claims that he acted disrespectfully towards the retiring coach of the Premier League champions after leaving Old Trafford last summer. “I have not been disrespectful. I would say the opposite because I said things to his face,” Pogba claimed. “When I heard about the return of [Paul] Scholes I realised that for me, at United, there would have been no room. “I do not have a swelled head, I know where I come from, I only have a strong personality. I am direct, and most importantly I know where I'm going.”

Chiellini on Italy, Juve and Inter May 28, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini spoke in Italy’s Press conference on the code of ethics, upcoming games and why Walter Mazzarri’s Inter “is already scary.” The defender took questions in today’s meeting with the media as the Azzurri continue preparations for the friendly with San Marino on Friday, World Cup qualifier in the Czech Republic on June 7 and the Confederations Cup. Pablo Daniel Osvaldo has been dropped from the squad after breaking the code of ethics by repeatedly insulting Roma Coach Aurelio Andreazzoli. “Daniel is part of our group and it’s always a shame when a teammate isn’t there,” said Chiellini. “The decisions are made by the Coach and we will wait for Osvaldo with arms outstretched if Prandelli in future decides to bring him back. He always behaved very well with us. “The code of ethics was an approach started three years ago and we know that as players we have great responsibility, as we are representing an entire country. Of course we have to set a good example for children. “A positive result in Prague would allow us to secure qualification, but we must be very wary, as a negative result could put us right back in the thick of the battle.” Chiellini is one of several Juventus players in the Italy side and is looking forward to next season in Serie A. “Prandelli is a more calm and quiet person compared to Antonio Conte, but both have that desire to win and make their mark. They enable you to understand and share their philosophy so you can apply it in a game situation. “The growth of players is important, both for Italy and Juventus. There are quality players and I don’t see another European country with so many interesting young attacking options. After all, Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy could be in the Under-21 side. “As for Juve, a few new players are useful, but not even Leo Messi can win by himself, so the team must be the most important consideration.” It’s all change on the benches, as Inter welcome Mazzarri, Napoli have Rafa Benitez, while Milan and Roma are still up in the air. “It will certainly be easier for Mazzarri than Benitez,” continued Chiellini. “Finishing in eighth place after all those defeats puts less pressure on whoever comes next, as it’s easy to improve on that. “I think Inter can be very difficult to face, as they have a mature Coach who is ready to win silverware. I believe he can give a great deal to this team and they’re already scary for us. “I consider Benitez to be a great Coach, but it won’t be easy replacing Mazzarri. He must win the Scudetto and go forward in the Champions League. His career reflects his talents and I think Napoli can make a real impact. “Italian football will be curious to see Benitez at work after a few difficult months at Inter, arriving after Jose Mourinho had won everything.”

Pogba hopes for African foundation May 28, 2013 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has revealed that he wants to use his fame and fortune to help those less fortunate in Africa. The young France international has been a revelation for Antonio Conte's side this season, socring five goals in 27 League games. And the 20-year-old has admitted that he would like to be more charitable in the future, whilst also revealing who his idol was growing up. “Djibril Cisse was, for me, the best forward in France,” he told France Football. “I often watched and admired him. “My dream is to help people in Africa. “I'd like to build something – maybe a training centre to help young people. “First I'd like to do it in Guinea and then across the continent.”

Llorente misses Confederations Cup May 27, 2013 Juventus-bound Fernando Llorente has the summer off, as he has been left out of Spain’s provisional squad for the Confederations Cup. Heading out to Brazil as world and double European champions, La Roja have listed a provisional 26-man selection, due to be trimmed down at the conclusion of La Liga’s fixtures next weekend. Coach Vicente del Bosque has pulled few surprises with his choices, listing 20 of the 23 that won last year’s Euro 2012 title, but Llorente is one of those three to lose their place since last summer. The 28-year-old, who is joining Juventus at the end of June on a Bosman, has not featured for Spain since August 2012’s friendly with Puerto Rico, having endured a miserable season in the shadows at Athletic Bilbao.

Arsenal attempt for Pogba May 26, 2013 British newspapers claim Arsenal will offer £15m to Juventus in a bid to lure Paul Pogba back to the Premier League. The French international midfielder only left Manchester United last summer when his contract expired, joining Juve as a free agent. He has been a revelation this season, even prompting Coach Antonio Conte to adjust his tactics to accommodate him in the starting XI. The Sunday People claims today that Arsene Wenger tried twice before to sign Pogba and is prepared to offer £15m for a third attempt. However, any such move is extremely unlikely, as Pogba is only 20 and has quickly become a fan favourite. Arsenal’s other big Serie A target, Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic, also seems to be beyond their reach, as he would prefer to remain in Italy.