Serie A - Diego joins Juventus

Eurosport - Tue, 26 May 12:38:00 2009

Juventus have signed Brazilian playmaker Diego from Werder Bremen in a £21.5 million deal.

FOOTBALL 2008/2009 Bremen Diego - 0

Diego helped steer Werder to the UEFA and German Cup finals this season with some exhilarating performances, which also attracted interest from Bayern Munich.

He was suspended for Werder's 2-1 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA final but hopes to finish his stint at the club on a high with victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup final on Saturday.

Diego joined Werder from Porto in 2006.

"I'm enthusiastic about Juventus and proud to become part of such a prestigious club, which I have dreamed about since I was a child," Diego told the Turin club's website.

"After the experiences in Portugal and in the Bundesliga I will be able to measure up to football of a very high level in a difficult and very competitive championship.

"It's the right time in my career to make such an important step and I'm convinced that with Juventus I'll achieve great results."

Diego's arrival is aimed at filling the gap created by Pavel Nedved's expected retirement.

Juve also hope Diego can spur them to success in the Champions League and on the home front next season.

Claudio Ranieri's failure to do so cost the coach his job last week.

Juventus, who are currently in the hands of caretaker boss Ciro Ferrara, also have a deal to bring Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro back from Real Madrid despite widespread supporter opposition.

The 35-year-old centre back, soon out of contract at Real, left for Spain in 2006 when Juve were demoted for match-fixing, while other top players such as Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluigi Buffon stuck with the club for their season in the second tier.

Reuters

Comment 1 - 6 of 26

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  1. Great news! Next to Sissoko they will make a good­ center midfield. Still need someone to replace Nedved­ though. They say Diego is it, but he is more of a CAM­ than a left wing. If Giovinco plays LM then Sissoko­ will need to play on the left side as well to even the­ defence. Let's hope Cannavaro gets his act together­ and for another 2 good signing, then I'll be happy.

    From Spigy, on Tue 26 May 2:07PM

  2. I discorvered a hot place
    ------Wealth y F inder C o­ M------ where many sexy singles- who like dating and--­ chatting there. I'm an open- minded girl with­ s---exual a--ttraction and big b---oobs. I-- am ­ Waiting 4 u

    From jennetleedff, on Tue 26 May 2:04PM

  3. diego is worth more dan dat

    From Shakz, on Tue 26 May 12:38PM

  4. no every team can afford to spend £21 milions at the­ moment and Juve tracked him for months. When it comes­ to luring top players the big italian clubs are as good­ if not better than the spanish and the english clubs.­ Unless the money offered is unreasonable a brasilian­ will always prefer the italian food, culture and­ weather to soggy England, even though the premieship is­ probably the most fun tournament at the moment. My­ opinion only.

    From Morituri, on Tue 26 May 12:35PM

  5. I also found it strange that no other teams were­ publicly pursuing him. I think hes a good midfielder­ and has time to become even better. I'm not a fan­ of Juventus, but i think it was a good decision joining­ them.

    From suraya79s, on Tue 26 May 12:25PM

  6. I cant believe no other teams were interested. good­ signing. bit of a cheat vut great player. reminds me of­ deco

    From yip, on Tue 26 May 12:05PM
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