Almiron refutes Nedved rift
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Juventus midfielder Sergio Almiron has rubbished claims that he doesn’t see eye to eye with teammate Pavel Nedved.
The Argentine arrived from Empoli for around £6m in the summer market and appears to have settled in Turin.
There were fears that past altercations with Czech winger Nedved while on opposing sides may lead to strained relations between the pair, but the 26-year-old strenuously denies that is the case.
“I’ll admit that when I was at Empoli I didn’t like Nedved, but now I know him better I can see that he is a completely different person,” Almiron insisted.
The ex-Udinese man played a crucial role in Empoli’s shock UEFA Cup qualification last term and is starting to win some flattering comparisons.
“Am I the new Juan Sebastian Veron? I have never thought that, but lots of people say that to me so maybe there is some truth in it. To be compared to him alone is a huge compliment.
“Playing for Juventus is a big deal, but I believe in my abilities. Ranieri’s faith in me has helped me to relax and I hope I won’t disappoint.”
Although it is widely agreed that the Old Lady’s realistic target is fourth place after a season in the Purgatory of Serie B, Almiron has greater ambitions.
“We are an excellent squad and we will surely do well,” he stated. “Inter and Milan may have something extra, but if we are up there later on in the season why can’t we compete for the Scudetto?”
channel 4