Blaise Matuidi

[Socrates 8516]

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

 

Juve back in for Matuidi

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/104263/juve-back-matuidi

 

 

Jun 17, 2017

 

Juventus are going back to Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi if they fail to tempt Steven N’Zonzi from Sevilla.

 

Bianconeri transfer guru Beppe Marotta confirmed interest in N’Zonzi, but Sevilla do not seem prepared to lower the €40m asking price.

 

According to Sky Sport Italia, the next name on the wish-list is Matuidi, who had already been very close to joining Juve last year.

 

Having just turned 30, the France international is slightly older than N’Zonzi, but also more experienced.

 

More importantly, his contract with PSG is due to expire in June 2018 and the club might be more amenable to negotiations than they were in the past.

 

This season Matuidi contributed seven goals and seven assists in 52 competitive games for Paris Saint-Germain.

 

He has eight goals in 58 senior caps for France.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

 

Juve: Can, Matuidi or Matic?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/104324/juve-can-matuidi-or-matic

 

 

Jun 18, 2017

 

Juventus continue to seek alternatives to Steven N’Zonzi in midfield, including Blaise Matuidi, Emre Can and Nemanja Matic.

 

The Bianconeri want reinforcements in the middle of the park after losing the Champions League Final 4-1 to Real Madrid, ruining their hopes of a Treble.

 

N’Zonzi has emerged as the ideal candidate, but Sevilla will not budge from the €40m release clause in his contract.

 

Other options are being scouted, as Emre Can would be far more affordable, especially as his contract with Liverpool is due to expire in June 2018.

 

According to the Corriere dello Sport, if Can doesn’t sign a new deal with the Reds soon, then Juve can swoop for the German international.

 

There are also other alternatives, as Matuidi wants to leave Paris Saint-Germain, but Inter are tracking him too.

 

Matic has long been wanted by Massimiliano Allegri and could leave Chelsea with the arrival of Tiemoue Bakayoko, so Juventus are monitoring the situation, claim Tuttosport.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Matuidi future to be decided?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/104742/matuidi-future-be-decided

 

 

Jun 26, 2017

 

Mino Raiola is reportedly due to hold talks with Paris Saint-Germain over Blaise Matuidi, which will be of great interest to Juventus.

 

According to Tuttosport, Juve are considering Matuidi in the event a deal for Steven N’Zonzi cannot be struck.

 

Although Beppe Marotta is not giving up on the Sevilla man, the newspaper notes the 30-year-old presents a viable option, given he would arrive for significantly less, while still “reinforcing the midfield”.

 

Matuidi has one more year left on his PSG contract, but an extension is not currently in the offing.

 

Consequently, Raiola will try to find an agreement with his client’s employers over a new deal or look for a change of scenery.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

 

PSG to reject Juve’s Matuidi bid?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/104748/psg-reject-juves-matuidi-bid

 

 

Jun 26, 2017

 

Paris Saint-Germain will reportedly reject Juventus’ opening bid of €15m for midfielder Blaise Matuidi.

 

Details of the offer were reported by L’Equipe, not long after the Italian Press suggested Juve were eyeing Matuidi as a serious alternative to Sevilla’s Steven N’Zonzi.

 

However, Calciomercato.com claims that while it will be knocked back, PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi will want to hear from the Frenchman directly, to see whether he will express a desire to leave Parc des Princes.

 

Only then will the Ligue 1 giants agree to discuss the 30-year-old’s departure with the Bianconeri.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Juventus schedule Matuidi meeting

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/105560/juventus-schedule-matuidi-meeting

 

 

Jul 10, 2017

 

Juventus will reportedly discuss Blaise Matuidi in a meeting with Mino Raiola this week.

 

The Bianconeri were on the verge of signing the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder last summer, but the French club pulled the plug at the last minute.

 

The Italian champions are still keen to sign a defensive midfielder, and Premium Sport reports that a meeting is scheduled this week to discuss Matuidi.

 

Juve had already agreed to meet his agent, Raiola, in Milan to talk about Moise Kean’s contract and they are also keen to make a move for the 30-year-old.

 

Matuidi’s contract with PSG expires next summer, so it’s thought a deal could be done for around €20m.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Matuidi: ‘Anything could happen…’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/106059/matuidi-‘anything-could-happen…’

 

 

Jul 20, 2017

 

Juventus target Blaise Matuidi is coy on his future - “right now I’m at pre-season with Paris Saint-Germain, afterward anything could happen”.

 

The Bianconeri were on the verge of signing the midfielder last summer, but the Ligue 1 club pulled the plug at the last minute.

 

It has been suggested that the Old Lady could return for the French international, who has refused to confirm he’ll stay at Parc des Princes.

 

“Right now I’m here at pre-season with Paris Saint-Germain,” Matuidi shrugged, speaking to L’Équipe.

 

“Afterward anything could happen.

 

“The contract extension? It’s not a current issue. I’m at the pre-season training camp.”

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

Liverpool to retain Emre Can; Matuidi talks accelerate

 

 

https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/7/26/16033848/juventus

-emre-can-liverpool-matuidi-psg-serie-a-transfers-2017

 

 

Jul 26, 2017

 

For those worried that Juventus would fail to address their need for a central midfielder, it seems as though those thoughts can be put to bed.

 

How the need is addressed has seemingly become more clear. Due to the summer where Juventus fans thought they were getting one of Isco, Mario Gotze, Julian Draxler, and Franco Vazquez, while ending up with Hernanes instead, many Juventus fans will be reluctant to buy into this chatter until the papers are signed - but obviously we’re going to share it anyways.

 

Gianluca Di Marzio reported early this morning that Emre Can of Liverpool will not be sold this upcoming summer. If true, Liverpool runs the risk of Can leaving for free next summer on a free transfer until the player decides to sign a new contract.

 

Perhaps the young German would be willing to sacrifice some playing time next year by not extending his contract and moving to Juventus. Until Can signs an extension, you can be sure that this won’t be the last you hear about him potentially moving to Juve in the future.

 

Yesterday, it was reported that talks for Blaise Matuidi had been reopened. Di Marzio is now reporting that these talks have become accelerated between the two clubs, which could mean a deal coming soon. It also could mean nothing, but it’s certainly worth mentally preparing for the possibility of Matuidi in a Juventus uniform next year. At the right price, it could be a good move.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Juventus hold firm on Matuidi

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/106998/juventus-hold-firm-matuidi

 

 

Aug 1, 2017

 

Juventus are reportedly unwilling to raise their offer for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi above €15m.

 

The Bianconeri are looking for a midfielder this summer, and have rekindled their interest in the French international after a transfer collapsed at the last minute last summer.

 

According to today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Matuidi remains at the top of the shortlist, but Juve won’t raise their offer above €15m.

 

PSG want at least €20m, meaning the two parties have reached something of an impasse.

 

With Barcelona forward Neymar likely to sign for the Ligue 1 side today, they must raise money through player sales to ensure they comply with Financial Fair Play.

 

In addition, Le Parisien reports that Matuidi is keen on a move to England, though website Culture PSG believes he has an agreement in principle with Juve.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Juventus closer to Matuidi

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/107209/juventus-closer-matuidi

 

 

Aug 4, 2017

 

Juventus have received positive signals from Mino Raiola in their pursuit of Blaise Matuidi, according to reports.

 

The Bianconeri are looking for a central midfielder, and after a move for the French international collapsed last summer it’s thought a deal could happen this year.

 

Now Premium Sport is reporting that Matuidi’s agent, Mino Raiola, has indicated that Paris Saint-Germain are willing to lower their price.

 

The Ligue 1 side have signed Neymar for a world record €222m, and they need to balance the books to avoid falling foul of Financial Fair Play regulations.

 

It’s therefore thought an offer of €20m plus bonuses would be enough to bring Matuidi to Turin.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Matuidi wrong man for Juve

 

Juventus want a new midfielder, but Blaise Matuidi is not the answer, writes Vincent Van Genechten.

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/107043/matuidi-wrong-man-juve

 

 

Aug 4, 2017

 

The Juventus midfield has been somewhat of an enigma the past few seasons. Fans of the Old Lady will fondly remember the trio of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba roaming the pitch in 2015. The first two were let go and Manchester United made former player Pogba the most expensive footballer ever last summer.

 

In came Miralem Pjanic in a stunning Juve move, weakening scudetto rivals Roma with one swift transfer. The Bosnian maestro was paired with Sami Khedira, as Claudio Marchisio battled another injury riddled period. With splendid success.

 

A sixth consecutive Serie A crown, a third Coppa Italia trophy on the trot and a Champions League Final later, Juventus are finally keeping their midfield core together again for more than one season. The Bianconeri are even in search of strengthening the middle of the pitch instead of losing a key midfielder and trying to replace him.

 

Many names have popped up during recent months and especially weeks. But one player has been ever-present: Blaise Matuidi. The PSG engine and France international was heavily linked to a Turin move last summer, but a transfer never materialised. Now Juve are chasing The Blaise once again.

 

There are a couple of reasons why this seems pretty logical. Since Pogba left, Juve are lacking skilled power and muscle in their midfield. Pjanic, Khedira and Marchisio are gifted players, but not the biggest athletes on the planet. Neither is new boy Rodrigo Bentancur, while Mario Lemina has proven to be too limited, and Stefano Sturaro and Thomas Rincon are warriors, but nothing much else.

 

Matuidi would without doubt help in this regard. The man is an engine. An athlete that covers a lot of space. And he’s got experience on the highest levels of football. On top, his contract expires in 2018, making him a typical ‘bargain’ option for Beppa Marotta. And with the World Cup approaching, Matuidi isn’t planning on sitting on PSG’s bench too much.

 

However, looking at it from Juve’s perspective, a move for Matuidi would not be the smartest one to make. Is he really that big of an upgrade on Sturaro and Rincon? On experience and athleticism, yes, but The Blaise is not technically gifted. His skills are pretty pedestrian and Juve can’t afford another player with bad feet.

 

Furthermore: Matuidi is 30 years old. Again, he knows his way around the pitch. But considering the Old Lady’s very poor relationship with PSG, a discount is pretty much out of the question. The Paris club wants €25-30m for a player that’s past his prime and out of contract in one year. Juve are offering €15m.

 

Result: no deal. However, for once that’s the best thing that could happen to Juve’s midfield. To be completely honest, do the Bianconeri really need an extra midfielder? The Pjanic-Khedira combo has proven to be deadly, but more importantly Marchisio is back at full strength. That means Juve have three superb midfielders in their squad.

 

Of course, it’s a long season and an injury is never far away. A fourth experienced option in midfield, therefore, should be on Marotta’s list. However, we’re talking the fourth option in midfield here, so Juve have to avoid forcing a deal for a player that doesn’t fit perfectly. Like Matuidi.

 

Even if Juventus don’t land a new midfielder, their current trio will do just fine being backed up by the talented Bentancur and two soldiers like Sturaro and Rincon.

[Socrates 8516]

Matuidi is very close to joining Juventus for €20-25m. Blaise would sign a 4-year contract with Juve worth €4m/yr. (Rai)

 

Source

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

 

PSG release Matuidi for Juve?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108033/psg-release-matuidi-juve

 

 

Aug 12, 2017

 

Blaise Matuidi is close to joining Juventus for €25m, as Paris Saint-Germain close on Monaco’s Fabinho, claim Italian reports.

 

Matuidi has long been on the Bianconeri wish-list to reinforce their midfield and seems the most likely option compared to Liverpool talent Emre Can and Sevilla’s Steven N’Zonzi.

 

One of the problems holding up the move has been PSG’s reticence to let the France international go, but that might be resolved.

 

According to Sky Sport Italia and other sources, Paris Saint-Germain have struck a deal for Monaco midfielder Fabinho.

 

His arrival would free Matuidi to join Juve for €20-25m, claim Rai Sport, with a four-year contract at the ready worth €4m per season.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

 

Matuidi to Juventus on Saturday?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108198/matuidi-juventus-saturday

 

 

Aug 15, 2017

 

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi could arrive for Juventus on Saturday, according to reports.

 

The Bianconeri have stepped-up their pursuit of the French international, and it’s believed a deal will be done for around €15m.

 

Now Tuttomercatoweb is reporting that Matuidi will arrive in Turin on Saturday, before taking his medicals and signing for the Old Lady.

 

A deal was almost done between the two sides last year, but PSG pulled the plug at the last minute and Matuidi remained in Paris.

 

This season though he hasn’t started any of the first three competitive matches and it appears the Ligue 1 side are ready to let him leave.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Matuidi to Juve reports growing

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108226/matuidi-juve-reports-growing

 

 

Aug 15, 2017

 

Reports are growing fast that Blaise Matuidi will join Juventus later this week, Paris Saint-Germain receiving €20m including performance-related bonuses.

 

According to Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium, the deal is basically done for €15m plus incentives.

 

PSG had requested €30m, but as the veteran France international’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, that was deemed excessive by Juve.

 

Matuidi is expected to sign a three-year contract worth €4m per year.

 

However, Mediaset Premium do not confirm the rumours of a medical booked in Turin for tomorrow.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Matuidi arrives for Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108262/matuidi-arrives-juventus

 

 

Aug 16, 2017

 

Blaise Matuidi has arrived in Turin to take his Juventus medical, with around 50 fans waiting for him.

 

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is set to join the Bianconeri today, for a fee reported to be between €15m and €20m.

 

It’s expected the French international will sign a three-year contract worth €4.5m per season, and he could be in the squad for Saturday’s game with Cagliari.

 

Matuidi has arrived in at Turin airport in the past few minutes, and pictures show there are already around 50 fans waiting at J-Medical to greet him.

 

The 30-year-old has been capped 58 times by France, and has won Ligue 1 on four occasions with PSG.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Matuidi to cost Juve almost €20-25m

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108277/matuidi-cost-juve-almost-€30m

 

 

Aug 16, 2017

 

Blaise Matuidi underwent the first part of his Juventus medical today and it’s reported they’ll pay Paris Saint-Germain €20m plus up to €5m in bonuses.

 

The France international arrived in Turin this morning and had his medical this afternoon, though more tests are expected tomorrow.

 

Sky Sport Italia claim the cost of the operation is €20m plus up to another €10m in various bonuses.

 

These will largely be based on the number of appearances and in order to get the full €10m, Matuidi would need to play 80 per cent of the games per season.

 

It’s believed to be a three-year contract with an option for a fourth.

 

These figures do not include the commission for his agent, Mino Raiola.

 

Aged 30, Matuidi spent his entire career in France at Troyes, Saint-Etienne and since 2011 at PSG.

 

He has eight goals in 58 senior caps for Les Bleus and was named France’s Player of the Year in 2015.

 

Matuidi’s contract with PSG had been due to expire in June 2018.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Matuidi continues Juventus medical

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108305/matuidi-continues-juventus-medical

 

 

Aug 17, 2017

 

Blaise Matuidi is taking the second part of his Juventus medical, ahead of joining from Paris Saint-Germain.

 

The midfielder flew into Turin yesterday, and successfully completed the first part of the necessary health checks at J-Medical.

 

“Blaise Matuidi has completed the first part of his medical ahead of a proposed move from Paris Saint-Germain,” a statement on the Bianconeri’s website said.

 

“The French international midfielder landed at Torino Caselle Airport at around 16:00 CEST before heading to J-Medical where he is due to complete the second part of his tests tomorrow.”

 

This morning Matuidi has been pictured entering the medical facility, and an official announcement of his signing is expected later today.

 

Juve have their traditional pre-season event at Villar Perosa today, and the 30-year-old could be officially presented there.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Matuidi completes Juventus medical

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108318/matuidi-completes-juventus-medical

 

 

Aug 17, 2017

 

Blaise Matuidi has completed his Juventus medical, so should officially sign from Paris Saint-Germain later today.

 

The French international arrived in Turin yesterday, and took the first part of his medical in the evening.

 

This morning he returned to J-Medical to complete the remainder of the tests, and the club has now confirmed that the medical process is complete.

 

“Blaise Matuidi has completed his medical ahead of a proposed move from Paris Saint-Germain,” the Bianconeri confirmed on their official website.

 

“The French international midfielder arrived in Turin yesterday afternoon before beginning tests at J|Medical.”

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Matuidi to Juventus delayed

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108339/matuidi-juventus-delayed

 

 

Aug 17, 2017

 

Blaise Matuidi has completed his Juventus medical, but the deal isn’t done yet because Paris Saint-Germain seek detailed incentives.

 

The 30-year-old France international arrived yesterday and underwent a series of tests in Turin.

 

“We have a verbal agreement with PSG and it will soon be official,” Juventus director Beppe Marotta told reporters today.

 

According to Le Parisien, the delay is due to some details with regards to the bonuses.

 

It’s no small issue, as the transfer is believed to be worth €20m plus up to €10m in various incentives.

 

Sky Sport Italia are confident the deal will be finalised tomorrow, when PSG send through the documentation.

 

If the situation is not sorted out quickly, Matuidi won’t be in the squad for Saturday’s Serie A opener against Cagliari.

 

It was reported the bonuses were based on the number of appearances he would make per season.

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Official: Juventus sign Matuidi

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108380/official-juventus-sign-matuidi

 

 

Aug 18, 2017

 

Juventus have officially confirmed the signing of Paris Saint-Germain’s Blaise Matuidi, for a fee of €20m plus bonuses.

 

The French international took his medicals with the Bianconeri on Wednesday and Thursday, and his signing has now been officially confirmed.

 

“Juventus Football Club S.p.A announces the agreement with Paris Saint-Germain or the definitive acquisition of the registration rights of the player Blaise Matuidi has been finalised for a consideration of € 20m payable in three financial years,” the club confirmed on their official website.

 

“The purchase value may increase by a further maximum of € 10.5m dependent on the number of player’s appearances in official Juventus matches in the next three seasons.

 

“Juventus and the player have signed a three-year contract of employment until 30 June 2020.”

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

Matuidi: ‘Juventus an honour'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108381/matuidi-‘juventus-honour

 

 

Aug 18, 2017

 

Blaise Matuidi is “very honoured” to have signed for Juventus, after officially joining from Paris Saint-Germain.

 

It was confirmed this afternoon that the French international has signed for a fee of €20m, a fee which could rise by another €10.5m depending on appearances.

 

“I’m very proud, I feel happy to wear this great shirt, I’m very honoured,” Matuidi told Juventus’ official website.

 

“I’m impatient to meet my new teammates, see the pitch and start the season with my new team.

 

“Juventus have a history, a great history, it’s a team which has always been ambitious, which wins often.

 

“They’ve won the Scudetto for many years running and also have European ambitions. I share those ambitions too. This is a very big club and as I’ve said I’m honoured.

 

“I can’t wait to give my contribution to help the team win, to continue to win.

 

“As someone who is passionate about football I’ve seen the great players here, like Zinedine Zidane, Michel Platini and also Didier Deschamps who is my Coach for France.

 

“It’s always a pleasure to say I’m part of this big family.

 

“Thank you to everyone, I want to give my all to help the team, I’m proud and honoured to be here and I hope you’ll be proud to see Blaise Matuidi in your team’s shirt.”

 

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

 

Matuidi: ‘Juventus dream of CL’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108592/matuidi-‘juventus-dream-cl’

 

 

Aug 22, 2017

 

Blaise Matuidi says “everyone dreams of winning the Champions League, but you can’t do it overnight” after joining Juventus.

 

The Bianconeri have won the Scudetto for the past six seasons in a row, and have won the Coppa Italia in each of the past three years.

 

However, they’ve been beaten in the Champions League final in both 2015 and 2017, and haven’t lifted the trophy since 1996.

 

“When you have ambitions it’s clear that you try to win everything,” Matuidi pointed out in his presentation Press conference.

 

“It’s easy to say that, but putting it into practice isn’t easy. I’m in a team that’s used to winning, and that’ll help me to give my best an help the team achieve our goals.

 

“In football many things can happen, the important thing is to give everything on the pitch and be happy with what we’ve done over the season.

 

“I think the team has done great things so far, and we need to continue along these lines.

 

“Everyone dreams of winning the Champions League, but you can’t do it overnight, it’s a long-term job and there are a lot of very good teams.

 

“We’re one of the teams aiming for that long-awaited triumph, but at the same time Serie A is very important, it’s our bread and butter which allows us to be real Champions League contenders.

 

“Winning the Champions League is difficult, it’s very difficult. I’m now at a club that has won the Champions League in the past but still wants to win the Champions League.

 

“It’s clear that there’s an ocean between saying something and doing something, but this is a club which has reached the final in the last three seasons, which means they’d been doing very important work.

 

“Winning the Champions League depends on a lot of factors, and a lot of top teams are trying to win it.

 

“It takes daily work, and as I’ve said we want to improve and add this trophy.

 

“Serie A is a very important, very interesting league. It’s a huge honour to be part of this team which will surely win a lot of games and hope for a lot of trophies.”

 

It has been suggested that the Bianconeri could move to a midfield three with Matuidi’s arrival, but the 30-year-old has no preference tactically.

 

“It doesn’t make a difference for me. In France I usually play in a two, in my club teams I’ve played in a three so I think both are good.

 

“Then of course the Coach [Max Allegri] will make his choices. In terms of tactics you’d have to ask the Coach, I’ll just try to perform regardless of the role I’m given.

 

“In a team each player brings his own characteristics, and I’m one of the players. It’s clear that I’ll do my utmost to get the best results with my attributes.

 

“Even at 30 I have the desire to improve, to do my best, and I’ll try to interpret the instructions the Coach gives to the team.

 

“It’s by all players making their contribution that a team gets stronger.”

 

The France international was then asked if he’s disappointed to have left Paris Saint-Germain now, with the signing of Neymar and the imminent arrival of Kylian Mbappé.

 

“No, I’m absolutely not disappointed,” Matuidi insisted.

 

“I’m happy and honoured to wear this shirt, it was a choice. After so many years it’s clearly difficult to leave those colours, but I have a huge determination, a huge will to win.

 

“Wearing this shirt is an honour, not everyone gets this chance and I’ll try to take the opportunity I’ve been given.

 

“I’m very proud, if you look at all the French players who have worn this shirt they’re all great players.

 

“It’s a source of great pride to be part of this team, it’s a pleasure and above all the welcome I received was beautiful.

 

“It’s no coincidence that these players [Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane, David Trezeguet] showed their best in a Juve shirt.

 

“I’m particularly proud to join this array of French players who have made their mark for this prestigious club.”

 

Dani Alves made the opposite journey to Matuidi, swapping Turin for Paris, and he attacked the organisation of the Old Lady after his move.

 

“I’ve found a very organised club, everything is fine and I have no worries about it. In fact the welcome at every level, from players to directors has been fantastic.

 

“This is a great family and I’m just happy to be part of it.

 

“Dani Alves told me good things about this club, honestly I’ve only heard great things and I’m very honoured to be part of this family.”

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

 

Matuidi: ‘Better late than never’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110356/matuidi-‘better-late-never’

 

 

Sep 24, 2017

 

Blaise Matuidi is delighted to be at Juventus, saying it was ‘better to move late than never’ after a transfer fell through last year.

 

The midfielder played 70 minutes of last night’s 4-0 derby win over city rivals Torino and is settling into life with the Old Lady following his summer switch from Paris Saint-Germain.

 

Speaking to Sky Sport, the Frenchman revealed his happiness to have joined the Serie A champions and expressed his desire to stay in Turin for years to come.

 

“I had already been in contact with Juventus the previous year, but for various reasons the transfer didn’t happen,” Matuidi explained.

 

“As they say, better late than never. Now I am here, I’m very happy and I hope to stay for a long time.

 

“Choosing to come here was natural, Juventus is a world class club and a team that has won so much and still has so much left to win.”

 

The 30-year-old added that his international teammates, as well as France Coach Didier Deschamps, encouraged him to accept Juve’s offer.

 

“My international teammates had spoken to me a lot about it, like Evra and Pogba, as well as my national team Coach Deschamps.

 

“I am adapting well, I have been welcomed in the best possible way and I am proud to be a part of this group.

 

“I already knew a little Italian and that made everything easier in terms of understanding the Coach’s orders and my teammates’ advice.”

 

Matuidi described new teammate Paulo Dybala as one of the best players in the world.

 

“Dybala is a great player, one of the best in the world. We are lucky to have such an exceptional teammate.

 

“Hopefully he can carry on in this way.”

 

The midfielder is convinced that Dybala’s fellow Argentine Gonzalo Higuain will come good after a slow start to the season in front of goal.

 

“Higuain, like every forward, needs to score but it’s part of every player’s career to have moments in which they score less.

 

“He will definitely score a lot this year and help us achieve our aims.”

[Socrates 8516]

 

 

 

 

Matuidi: ‘I have the quality’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110813/matuidi-‘i-have-quality’

 

 

Oct 3, 2017

 

Juventus’ Blaise Matuidi believes the fact he has played for both the Old Lady and Paris Saint-Germain says a lot about his quality.

 

The midfielder moved from the French capital to Turin during the summer’s transfer window.

 

And speaking after joining Didier Deschamps’ squad on international duty, the 30-year-old hit back at critics in his homeland who have previously questioned his ability.

 

“I feel really good,” Matuidi told reporters. “I have arrived at a big club, with history and ambition.

 

“Like PSG, Juve want to win all the titles they can.

 

“I am at a great club, I played in Paris and now I’m at Juve. People shouldn’t take that lightly.

 

“If I have these chances, despite what you say about me, it’s because I have the necessary quality to play for clubs of that ilk.

 

“Juve are a huge club.”

 

Matuidi added that despite now being in his thirties, he wants to continue to represent his country for years to come.

 

“I have played a lot of matches for the national team and I want to continue to do so.

 

“The competition for places is healthy and normal.”