Fabio Paratici thought Luis Suarez had an Italian passport ahead of his possible transfer to Juventus and the striker has revealed Andrea Agnelli thanked him for trying to facilitate a move to Turin.
The Atletico Madrid forward seemed set for a move to Juventus this summer before the passport complications stalled a move to the Old Lady, but the Uruguayan international flew to Perugia for an Italian citizenship test in September.
It emerged, the former Barcelona star knew the questions before taking the exam.
Fabio Paratici thought Luis Suarez had an Italian passport ahead of his possible transfer to Juventus and the striker has revealed Andrea Agnelli thanked him for trying to facilitate a move to Turin.
The Atletico Madrid forward seemed set for a move to Juventus this summer before the passport complications stalled a move to the Old Lady, but the Uruguayan international flew to Perugia for an Italian citizenship test in September.
It emerged, the former Barcelona star knew the questions before taking the exam.
Suarez eventually joined Atletico Madrid from Barcelona.
La Repubblica newspaper published part of Suarez's interrogation.
When did you know about Juventus' interest?
"It was the end of August, beginning of September. I received a call from Pavel Nedved and then one from Fabio Paratici."
Did you reach an agreement with Juventus?
"No, in the beginning, it was only to know if I was interested [in joining Juventus]. After that, my lawyer was in charge."
When did you know Juventus wanted to sign him as an EU-player?
"I can't remember. Paratici told me they had contacted me because they thought I had an Italian passport, like my wife.
"I told him that I didn't have it. I had only started to do the relevant paperwork and asked for certificates in the countries where I have lived."
Did you talk to Juventus after the exam?
"Yes, that same day. Paratici called me when I was at the airport to tell me I made the best choice for my family.
"Two days later, President Andrea Agnelli called me to say he was sorry the negotiations didn't end up well. Still, he thanked me for what I did to facilitate the deal, even forcing the relationship with Barcelona. I had never spoken to him before."
The Rector of the University For Foreigners in Perugia is under investigation with lawyer Maria Turco, who followed the citizenship test process on behalf of Juventus.
Luigi Chiappero, another Juventus lawyer and the club's CEO Fabio Paratici are under investigation for "false statements" to prosecutors.