Paratici on Pogba to Juve, Berardi, Donnarumma, Chiesa & Allegri

Juventus changed sporting directors over the summer with Fabio Paratici leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract and Federico Cherubini replacing him. In an interview with Sky Sport Italia (via Football Italia), the much-maligned Paratici spoke about a number of different topics about his time at Juve including some transfer market gossip that will be of great interest to fans.

Paul Pogba has continued to be linked with a return to Juve over the years, and his performances in this summer’s Euro 2021 have rekindled those hopes, but Paratici insists that no such move has been or will be on the cards.

“Paul joined Juventus when he was only 18, he grew up with us and it was a great satisfaction. This is part of the great affection there is between the club and the player, but he was never close to returning.”

Sassuolo and Italy forward Domenico Berardi is another name that has often been linked with Juve, but the addition of Federico Chiesa made that redundant.

“He was really close. We began talks after just a few games, he is a great talent and it would have been a pity not to be able to prove it. I am happy for him.

“Chiesa joined Juventus and we were delighted about it, our judgement about him never changed. He has great qualities and personality. His desire to improve every day and his perseverance are his most important features.”

Was Paratici aware that Massimiliano Allegri would be returning to Juve?

“I spent 11 amazing years at Juventus. It’s such a long time in the world of football and I have great memories. It was a great experience, but it was right to change.

“I respect Allegri, but I had already spoken to Agnelli before he returned, I hadn’t programmed the future. I must thank Allegri for five incredible seasons we lived together, we won so many trophies.”

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma looks to be heading to Paris, and Paratici added that signing him was not part of his decision to move to Tottenham Hotspur.

“Donnarumma is the best youth in the world, but I’ve never tried to sign him here in England.

“I’ve known the Tottenham President for a long time, he’s built something incredible here. We’ve always respected each other and I’ve always dreamt of coming to the Premier League, this new experience will complete me on a professional and personal level. It’s a top club and I am thrilled.

“Here in England, they invest in training facilities. Tottenham’s training centre is huge and they care for every detail. It’s a marvelous place, where people are happy to work, there is great enthusiasm, it’s really beautiful.”