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Decision time is not only coming for Juventus, but Marco Storari as well. Juventus' backup goalkeeper for the past four and a half seasons will see his contract expire at the end of the current campaign. At the age of 38 and coming off a summer where he had options to go elsewhere, is Storari's current contract with Juve going to be his last?
According to the man himself on Thursday, the decision might not be as difficult as some might think.
"I don't think there will be any problems with the renewal. For my part, I've made myself available. I'm mature, and I offer enthusiasm. Also, I can give advice in the dressing room. I've found the balance I was missing at the start of my career. Nothing has been set in stone regarding my renewal, but I'm optimistic."
(Source: Football Italia)
If Storari feels like a renewal is possible, then so be it. You won't see me being opposed to keeping around a player who is an important piece to the puzzle despite his like of game action the last few seasons. Storari is one of the best backup keepers in Europe and has proven virtually every time he steps between the sticks that he can play well.
What makes Storari's comments interesting is that Juventus' pursuit of Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto, whose contract also expires this summer and will be on a free transfer, is far from a secret. While there haven't been many rumors circulated as of late, reports came out at the end of January that Juventus and the Brazilian goalkeeper had agreed to terms on a contract for next season and beyond.
Common sense tells you Juve would probably choose one over the other as Juventus' No. 2 goalkeeper behind Gianluigi Buffon next season. Maybe Beppe Marotta has some kind of master plan that will leave us all praising his transfer strategy once again. (I mean, we know how much the guy loves a quality player of a free transfer...)
No matter what, though, if it's Storari or Neto backing up Buffon next season, there will be a solid security net just in case — knock on wood — something were to happen to San Gigi.
