Beppe Marotta reveals Juventus “turned down” Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba offers and are targeting Champions League success.
Beppe Marotta reveals Juventus “turned down” Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba offers and are targeting Champions League success.
The general manager spoke to Mediaset Premium ahead of tonight’s Champions League opener in Copenhagen.
“Are Juventus outsiders for the trophy? When Juventus take part in a competition, whether it’s the Scudetto or the Champions League, they must always target the maximum result. A lot also depends on possible favourable circumstances, mind you.”
This evening Mirko Vucinic, Andrea Barzagli and Kwadwo Asamoah are rested, but there is still no starting spot for Fernando Llorente.
“When we signed him we were well aware that he’d barely played for a year. Antonio Conte will use him when he is physically in good shape.
“Vidal is a very valuable player to us and always gives his contribution. The transfer market is irrational at times, but we have never actually decided what he’s worth. Real Madrid asked for Vidal, but we turned them down. We never even discussed a possible sale.”
The same is true of Paul Pogba, who also starts in Denmark tonight and is in talks for a contract extension.
“His explosion was somewhat unexpected, even if there were signs at Manchester United two years ago,” continued Marotta.
“Conte has been able to get the best out of him, so what I said about Vidal also applies to Pogba. These are players who form the solid core of the side. Yes, we did turn down important offers for Pogba.
“We had signed a contract with him promising to revisit it when he became a star. Right now he deserves a raise.”