Xabi Alonso admits he is flattered by Juventus' interest in him, amid speculation his switch from Liverpool to Serie A could soon be completed.
The classy Liverpool schemer is currently preparing for Spain's Euro 2008 bid against a backdrop of ongoing uncertainty over his future.
Earlier in the summer he rejected out of hand reports that have linked him with a return to Spain, with Real Madrid credited as holding a long-standing interest in his services.
But when quizzed on Juventus, who Liverpool are engaged in discussions with, Alonso conceded it would be an honour to wear the prestigious black and white stripes.
Historic club
"I know the Bianconeri follow me," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport from Spain's training camp.
"I know there has already been contact with Liverpool and my agent too.
"I can say that I am really proud to be linked with a strong and historical side like Juventus."
Alonso went on to his express his admiration for those players that stayed in Turin despite Juventus' demotion to Serie B for the part they played in a match-fixing scandal.
Admiration
"I know what happened at Juve," he added.
"For this reason I have big respect for (Alessandro) Del Piero, (Gianluigi) Buffon, (Pavel) Nedved and (David) Trezeguet - big champions who had the courage to play in Serie B.
"This is something I like a lot. After four years in La Liga and four years in England, playing in Italy would be like completing my career."
from: SkySports.com