Juve: Buffon? Priceless

Juve: Buffon? Priceless
Friday 21 November, 2008

Juventus general manager Jean-Claude Blanc put the final word on Manchester City’s £65m bid. “Gianluigi Buffon is not for sale at any price.”

The goalkeeper had been linked with the Eastlands club already and the rumours re-emerged this week of an increased offer.

Buffon himself admitted, “I would be the first to tell the club to sell me if a really big offer was tabled, as they can rebuild the squad with that money.”

However, general manager Blanc left no room for negotiation in his message on the official Juventus website.

“Gigi is not for sale at any price. There has never been contact between the two clubs and there is no offer from Manchester City for our goalkeeper.

“There is no truth behind this rumour. I can reassure fans that we will continue to go ahead with Gigi for many years to come and that he will play in the new Bianconeri stadium in 2011-12.

“I am surprised that these stories always emerge just before a big game, but in football these things do happen.”

The reference was aimed at Saturday’s Scudetto showdown with Inter, suggesting attempts from some sections of the media to destabilise Juve and its supporters.

“It is important to look to this match with the same spirit we looked to the future yesterday [when presenting the plans for the new stadium] and take this positive energy into the challenge with Inter,” continued Blanc.

“I think the players already had their minds on Inter, but taking part in that presentation made them feel part of a fantastic history that is Juventus.

“Naturally I hope that also reaffirmed their knowledge they are part of a club that not only had a great history, but also a wonderful future.”

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