Cannavaro unlikely to leave Real Madrid for return to Juventus
MILAN, Italy: FIFA player of the year and Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro is unlikely to return to Juventus next season.
"I love being in Spain," Cannavaro said in an interview with Tuesday's Gazzetta dello Sport. "Madrid is beautiful, Real is the most important club in the world and I have won La Liga."
The 33-year-old Italy captain had been linked with a move away from the Spanish champions after Fabio Capello was sacked as coach last month.
Cannavaro and Capello joined Real from Juventus last year, after the storied Italian club was demoted to the second division for match-fixing. Juventus won the Serie B last month and will play in Serie A next season.
"I can never say that I wouldn't like to return (to Juventus)," Cannavaro told Gazzetta. "I have spoken often with (Juventus sporting director) Alessio Secco, who is a friend. They were looking for a defender but there has never been anything concrete."
Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli said it would be "very difficult" for Cannavaro to return.
"Cannavaro is a Real Madrid player. He made a professional choice that we shared," Cobolli Gigli was quoted as saying by Gazzetta.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho reportedly is also interested in signing Cannavaro.
"I heard," Cannavaro said. "It is an honor. He is a winning coach.
"But I have a two-year contract. If someone wants me they must speak with Real."
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/17/sports/EU-SPT-SOC-Italian-Briefs.php