Cool response to Canna
Monday 20 April, 2009
Juventus legends
Beppe Furino and Jose Altafini have reacted rather coldly to rumours suggesting the Bianconeri will re-sign Fabio Cannavaro.
Cannavaro, who left Juventus for Real Madrid in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, has reportedly been offered a four-year deal - one as a player and three as a director.
“I heard about Cannavaro and I didn't want to believe it,” Furino wrote in La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“We won't discuss his achievements as a player, he is a world champion, but the years catch up with everyone.
“If Cannavaro is a sure thing at no cost whatsoever then bring him on, but there are other players that Juventus need to close the gap in Italy and in Europe.
“Have the fans forgotten the so-called “betrayal” of three years ago Footballers are professionals, Cannavaro's decision to go to Real Madrid was based on money,” Furino explained.
“Two games will be enough for the curva to forget all in a hurry. Then again it will be difficult not to remember what happened three years ago. The Juventus of today would have players that now bring luck to other teams.”
Altafini was equally critical of Juventus' decision to go back to the future and think about entrusting their defence to the 36-year-old Italy captain.
“Why don't they re-sign Zinedine Zidane as well?” Altafini said scathingly. “They need a central midfield!
“I don't see how Cannavaro alone can resolve Juventus' defensive problems. Age counts more in defence than in any other position and Juventus' backline is already slow.
“The politics of not spending will not pay off if we want to keep up with Inter,” Altafini explained. “It will take an aggressive and courageous transfer campaign to overtake the Nerazzurri.
“As for the defence, Giorgio Chiellini has had a great season, as has Nicola Legrottaglie, so Juventus don't have a problem at centre-back. (that's highly debatable)
“What would it take for Juventus to support them with a youngster, someone like Simon Kjaer, the Dane from Palermo?
“Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis, was a little tough on Cannavaro a few weeks ago, but he painted a reality - 36 years are a lot and if Napoli, his hometown club, aren't willing to take him, well…” Altafini concluded.
Cannavaro first joined Juventus from Inter in 2004 and made 74 appearances for the Bianconeri before leaving for Spain in 2006.