Juve renew Milito bid
Tuesday 26 June, 2007
Juventus are renewing their efforts to sign Gabriel Milito and ‘reserve’ Klaas Jan Huntelaar for next season.
Last week the completion of Milito’s £12m switch from Real Zaragoza was expected to be announced within hours, but the two clubs have drifted apart.
“There is a financial issue here and we are discussing it,” explained President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.
The defender remains their number one choice to lead the side back into Serie A, although these complications have forced them to look at other alternatives.
Fabio Cannavaro’s return from Real Madrid is a possibility, albeit with the need for the World and European Player of the Year to take a pay cut.
Another candidate is Porto man Pepe, who would arrive in exchange for Fabrizio Miccoli.
There are reports that the club is already looking to the future, offering £1.3m to Ajax just to have an option on hitman Huntelaar.
Cobolli Gigli led a five-hour Board of Directors meeting in Turin today and was confident that David Trezeguet’s decision to renew his contract until 2011 would see everything fall in to place.
“This renewal shows that we know how to resolve situations,” smiled the Bianconeri President.
“From Gianluigi Buffon’s choice onwards, a decision that proved crucial in convincing the other champions to stick with the Juventus project, I think we are beginning to see a really great squad.”
With Pavel Nedved considering an early retirement and Mauro Camoranesi initially demanding a transfer, Juve could be about to ensure all their top stars stay for the return to Serie A.
Trezeguet’s former agent Antonio Caliendo suggests that one of the key men behind convincing the Frenchman was Roberto Bettega – who will leave the club this summer.
“Bettega had a very important role, in fact he was decisive,” Caliendo told ‘Radio Radio.’ “I was a mediator, despite the fact I am no longer David’s agent, but together we concluded the negotiations.”
Bettega was the last remaining figure from the Triade along with Luciano Moggi and Antonio Giraudo, but his consultancy contract expires on June 30 and will not be renewed.
“It was the best possible end to his Juventus career, as this deal was a masterpiece. David was very happy, but Claudio Ranieri was even more elated.”
Caliendo also revealed a curious backstory to Trezeguet’s often tumultuous time in Turin.
“In 2004 he had already signed for Barcelona because he no longer wanted to work with certain figures who aren’t here anymore. Fabio Capello convinced him to stay. The first thing players need is to hear the respect of the Coach and David heard that from Ranieri.”
Juventus have confirmed they will not replace Bettega, as his duties will be taken over by general manager Jean Claude Blanc.