Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Juve: Vieira the last to leave

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Juventus have insisted that Patrick Vieira's transfer to Internazionale will signal the end of the club's enforced sales.
France international Vieira completed his £6.5 million transfer to Inter on Wednesday, and follows the likes of Gianluca Zambrotta and Lilian Thuram out of the exit door after the club's demotion to Serie B for match-fixing.
But, with a number of high-profile players still honouring their Old Lady contracts, speculation continues to surround the futures of Gianluigi Buffon, Mauro Camoranesi, David Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
All four would prove attractive additions for many of Europe's top clubs, who may be prepared to entice Juve to sell before the transfer window closes on August 31.
But the club's officials are determined to retain the existing squad to ensure Didier Deschamps's team have the best possible chance of promotion back to the league in which they were crowned champions two years in a row before being stripped of the titles.
"Trezeguet and Ibrahimovic will remain with us," said chief officer Jean-Claude Blanc. "Patrick Vieira's sale will be the last one this summer."
Sporting director Alessio Secco reiterated that goalkeeper Buffon will not be allowed to leave the club, with Milan reported to be circling Turin for the World Cup winner.
"I'm tired of repeating the same things - Buffon will not be leaving, and neither will any of the other players," said Secco.