Sakho and Barzagli exchange clubs
Andrea Barzagli, has left
Juventus for the Qatar owned
Paris Saint Germain. The defender, was deemed surplus by the new manager, Pavel Nedved. The defender was highly rated by many staff and indeed the fans, but the manager seems to be raising funds to sign a striker, something that the Turin based club needed last season. Names go across as
Cavani,
Lewandowski and
Damaio. However, the defender seemed to be unhappy at his departure of Juventus, a team that opened the doors to him.
He said," It's a sad day for me and my family. I'll have to leave for
Paris Saint Germain, something that will challenge me." When he was questioned of potential titles he said," I've won titles in Germany and now in
Italy. It's been a hell of a ride with
Juve and sadly, it has finished." However, the defender relished the challenge brought by PSG. He said," What
PSG have planned for the next years is immense. I've come to help and tutor players here, according to
Ancelotti." He finished by saying,"
Alex and
Thiago, beware, I will do my best to displace both of you!" The transfer seems inflated by a lot of PSG fans, as it comes to 10 million pounds for a player that will be 32 next year. But, they are happy to bring such a player of wealth experience, who has won two league titles in two different countries.
On the other hand,
Mamadou Sakho signed a five year deal with
Juve, meaning that he would stay until his 27th birthday. Sarpong told
Corriero dello Sport,"It's great to play in such a team.
Chiellini,
Bonucci and
Caceres are all great players. I look forward to learning from them." The defender sighed and said," I should've left when the club was bought. Look at the quantity of games that I have played there since. It decreased tons. PSG has been a home for me since I had 9 years. I barely played there over the past two years. But, when such a legend like
Nedved phoned me about my availability, I didn't hestitate."
Nedved's reaction was quite similar to
Sakho's. He told the press," Sakho is a fantastic player and we lacked a player who can bring a tighter defense. He was my first choice and I personally think that he’s better than
Alex. Sakho was PSG's captain because they saw potential in him. But, they gave up on him, and I believe that no one should give up on their players.” The manager also confirmed the transfer fee, which was close to 10 million pounds according to the media but he shrugged and said," It was 9 million pounds. 1 million is a lot of money and that is what many people earn in their lifetime."
Mamadou Sakho
Sakho defending for his country, against Belgium.
Andrea Barzagli
Barzagli talking to the press about his recent transfer to France's capital, Paris.