Claudio Marchisio reveals he rejected an offer of Real Madrid and says Juventus were treated differently from other clubs in the Calciopoli scandal.
“There were contacts with Inter when José Mourinho was in charge but I said no. People like me, [Francesco] Totti, [Daniele] De Rossi or [Paolo] Maldini, grew up as footballers wearing the same colours, since childhood," he told Il Corriere della Sera.
“Our link with the shirt is not negotiable. I think Real Madrid made an enquiry as well.
Claudio Marchisio reveals he rejected an offer of Real Madrid and says Juventus were treated differently from other clubs in the Calciopoli scandal.
“There were contacts with Inter when José Mourinho was in charge but I said no. People like me, [Francesco] Totti, [Daniele] De Rossi or [Paolo] Maldini, grew up as footballers wearing the same colours, since childhood," he told Il Corriere della Sera.
“Our link with the shirt is not negotiable. I think Real Madrid made an enquiry as well.
“I was 21, I had just started playing in Juventus’ senior team and Fabio Capello, who was the Real Madrid coach wanted me. I said no because I wanted to play in my favorite team, in front of my parents, in my city".
Marchisio claims Juventus are doing the right thing in trying to get back the Serie A titles that were revoked in 2006 after the Calciopoli scandal.
“You do not claim the titles for the palmares, but to claim a difference in treatment suffered compared to other teams".
The former Old Lady’s midfielder also discusses homosexuality on football and how is it difficult for players to coming out.
“None of my teammates ever told me that he is gay, but it is not true that in the locker room there is no talk of it.
“There is silence, no doubt. Whether it’s the reaction of public opinion or inside the locker room. You know those stupid jokes about soap?
“Luckily there is female football. Surely, they are more emancipated, they can help us break a taboo. Sooner or later there will be someone with such broad shoulders to counter the inevitable shock wave".