Juve wanted Mandzukic in 2012

Croatia and Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic says he was a transfer target for Juventus last year.

Croatia and Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic says he was a transfer target for Juventus last year.

“Juventus wanted me in 2012,” the player told Extra Time. “I was proud of their interest in me because they are a top club and I admired Gigi Buffon as a boy.

“Buffon is the best, I liked his stature and style.

“Juventus were interested in me and I was interested in them,” he continued. “But I think my transfer fee was the problem.

“Then Bayern Munich came forward for me and everything was decided. I then scored past Juventus and Buffon – that makes me proud.”

The 27-year-old joined the German club from Wolfsburg at the start of last season. Bayern beat Juventus in the last eight of the Champions League in 2012-13.