Pavel Nedved promoted to Juventus vice president

Friday was shareholders' meeting day in Turin. With it comes the latest unofficial State of Juventus speech by club president Andrea Agnelli, as well as Beppe Marotta speaking on a number of topics (usually transfers because that's what the Italian press loves to ask him about).

But Friday also brought us some news regarding one of Agnelli's right-hand men.

Pavel Nedved has a new job, one that presumably comes with more responsibility and a bigger paycheck. Nedved, Juventus' former No. 11 and Ballon d'Or winner, has been promoted to vice president at the club, the club announced on their official website on Friday. He has spent the past three years as a member of the Juventus board as well as celebrating goals in the stands with just as much fire as he did during his lengthy playing career.

This is what Mr. Nedved had to say about his new job title:

"I'd like to thank the president and the club for their belief in me so I can go on working for one of the world's top teams. My role won't change much. I'll still be in daily contact with the players and coach, it's on the pitch where I can help the most. As the years have gone by I've been able to see how a great club is managed. I'm fired up to defend our colours."

This is what Agnelli had to say about his colleague and close friend becoming Juve's new VP:

"Pavel has developed massively over the last five years as a board member. He's now a skilled and knowledgeable member of staff and fully aware of all the various activities that go on inside the company. He possesses commercial perception and specific skills in the balance sheet analysis of a sporting business."

Ah, these guys. We know about how they play pickup games together on the weekends. Now they will continue to be two of Juventus' most important decision makers. It was hard to see Pavel stay away from the club that he put so much effort into. And to see him get this big-time promotion, it just shows how committed and confident the club is to keeping a guy who has obviously developed a knack for being a member of the front office.

Next move: Alessandro Del Piero, board member. Just throwing it out there, Mr. Agnelli. There is a seat open now, right?