..::Football III::..

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Del Bosque frustrated by friendly defeat

Vicente Del Bosque rued Spain's profligacy in front of goal as Netherlands inflicted a 2-0 defeat on his side in Amsterdam on Tuesday.

The European champions have begun to show the form expected of them in recent Euro 2016 qualifying matches, however they have now not won a friendly match since June.

Goals from Stefan De Vrij and Davy Klaassen inside 16 minutes secured victory for Guus Hiddink's side, while goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer was on hand to deny Spain on the rare occasions they tested the Dutch goal."The first 20 minutes have burdened us," said Del Bosque. "It seems impossible we wouldn't score.

"We have taken command of the game, we've been all over them and have reached the penalty area, but we lacked a goal."The 64-year-old handed first appearances to Juanmi and Vitolo after their impressive club form, and Del Bosque was pleased with what he saw.

"The two rookies have had good performances," he added. "Vitolo has been very active and Juanmi looked like scoring."

Spain were beaten 5-1 by Holland at last summer's World Cup before exiting the competition at the group stage.

 

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Valdes happy playing for Man United's Under-21s

Victor Valdes has not made a first-team appearance in over a year but the Manchester United goalkeeper is starting to enjoy playing again.

The former Barcelona No.1 tore his anterior cruciate ligament in March 2014 and a move to Monaco collapsed as he began his rehabilitation.

Valdes subsequently trained with United and joined the club as David de Gea's backup in January and says that he is happy despite only having played for the club's Under-21s team so far.

"This is the way now," he told the club's official website. "When you don't play in the first team here in England, it's usually better to play in the reserves.

"It's not something we do in Spain but you must accept it and focus on your performance because it is good for your game rhythm.

"I'm very happy with my knee and playing with my new team-mates. It's a good feeling to be on the pitch again playing football. It is most important for me after my injury.

"I am very happy for this option in my career after my injury. I always say it's great to be a part of this club and part of this team and, maybe, I hope to win another important trophy here too."

 

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Official: Real Madrid sign Danilo for €31.5m

Real Madrid have confirmed the €31.5 million signing of Porto right-back Danilo, who has signed a contract until 2021.

The Brazilian, 23, has been linked with a move to the European champions for months and Danilo confessed a week ago he was proud of reported interest from Carlo Ancelotti's side.

And on Wednesday night, the two clubs announced the defender would be leaving the Dragao this summer to sign a six-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Porto hereby informs the market that it has reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the permanent transfer of Danilo for the value of €31.5m," the Portuguese club said in a statement to the stock market.Madrid also confirmed in a statement that the Brazil international would be joining the club after reportedly seeing off competition from rivals Barcelona for his signature.

Danilo has been ever-present in Julen Lopetegui's side in his fourth season at the club, bagging four goals and four assists as Porto have progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals.His arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu will raise fresh doubts over the future of current first choice right-back Dani Carvajal.

 

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Allegri: I have forgiven Juventus fans for backlash

Massimiliano Allegri says he has forgiven Juventus supporters for reacting so negatively to his appointment as coach.The 47-year-old took charge of the Bianconeri last summer, inheriting a side that had won three successive Serie A titles under predecessor Antonio Conte.

However, Allegri's previous job had been with Juve's great rivals AC Milan, with who he had been sacked by just six months previously. Consequently, the Bianconeri faithful were less than impressed by his arrival in Turin.

Juve, though, are currently 14 points clear at the summit of Serie A, while Allegri has also led the club into the quarter-finals of the Champions League and the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.As a result, the fans have been won over and Allegri insists he does not hold any grudges over the remarkable turnaround in public opinion.

“Forgiving was the right thing to do, because I think the reaction of the supporters to my appointment on July 16 was normal," he said at a session with fans on Wednesday.

“The month of July saw some very sudden changes for the club. When I was first announced as Juventus coach, I felt very happy, because I knew I was being given the opportunity to win.“But my greatest fear when joining the team was that I wouldn't be able to take a place in the heart of the supporters, because I promised I'd do that by getting good results.

"It was only by means of hard work and respect for the supporters that we have done well this season, and now we must finish it at our very best because we still haven't won anything.“We're not at the end of the championship, much less the Champions League or the Coppa Italia.”

Allegri won a Scudetto in his first season in charge of Milan, in 2010-11, but he was fired in January of last year after a poor run of form.

 

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Nedved: Real Madrid not as strong as Barca & Bayern

Juventus director Pavel Nedved says that Barcelona and Bayern Munich are the best teams in Europe, claiming that Real Madrid are not as strong as they were last season.Madrid won the 2013-14 Champions League, defeating Bayern 5-0 on aggregate in the last four before beating city rivals Atletico 4-1 in the final.

Carlo Ancelotti's men embarked upon a 22-winning streak in all competitions this term but their form has dipped dramatically since the turn of the year, with Los Blancos losing top spot in La Liga to Barca and only scraping into the quarter-finals of the Champions League by edging out Schalke 5-4 on aggregate after a shock second-leg loss at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Consequently, when it comes to weighing up the respective merits of those involved in the race for this season's European Cup, Nedved feels that there are two obvious frontrunners.

"It's good [for Juve] to have avoided Barcelona and Bayern Munich, who are the best teams in Europe at the moment," the former Ballon d'Or winner told El Mundo Deportivo.

"Real Madrid are not at the level of last year. But everything can change very quickly."Juve will face Monaco in the last eight after the Ligue 1 outfit sneaked into the quarter-finals thanks to a victory on away goals over Arsenal, whose 2-0 success in the principality nearly overturned a 3-1 first-leg deficit.

However, Nedved says he saw enough during the principality club's win at the Emirates to suggest that they can cause the Bianconeri problems."Obviously there were more famous possible opponents we could have drawn, but we must not underestimate Monaco," the Czech added.

"They went dangerously close to being knocked out at home, but they impressed me against Arsenal in London."

 

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Mavuba: I could join Roma if Garcia stays

Rio Mavuba has admitted that he could join Roma this summer - provided Rudi Garcia retains his job as coach.

Mavuba is currently plying his trade at Lille but has announced his intention to leave the Ligue 1 outfit when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The France international says he is open to joining Roma on a free transfer but conceded that the deal could hinge on whether Garcia, who is under pressure after a dreadful dip in form since the turn of the year, is allowed to stay at the Stadio Olimpico.

The pair won a Ligue 1 title and a Coupe de France during their time together in northern France and Mavuba is keen to be reunited with his former boss.
"It's a little while since I've spoken with Garcia, even though we have the same agent [Pascal Boisseau]," the 31-year-old told Sky Sport Italia."Roma could be a possibility. It would certainly interest me.

"Garcia has a contact with Roma and we know that in football things move very fast. Neither I nor he know where we will be next year. "But if Garcia were to stay at Roma, it would be an interesting solution.

"We have already won things together at Lille so, in that sense, contact from Roma would be easier."Mavuba also believes that Garcia remains the right man to turn Roma's season around, insisting that the Giallorossi can hold off Lazio in the battle for second place if they keep faith with the 51-year-old trainer.

"Things are not going as Garcia hoped," he added. "But he's one that gives a lot of confidence to his players. He speaks a lot and communicates a great deal.

"Sometimes things go against you but that's part of the life of any coach, and if you want to win, you must take some risks."Now it's more difficult, but they need to have faith in him and his staff. "They will finish well, ahead of Lazio in any case!"

 

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Cabaye: I'll discuss my PSG future at the end of the season

Yohan Cabaye insists that he will only think about his future at Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, explaining that his only goal at the moment is getting himself back in peak physical condition.

The France international sustained a minor knee injury in the Ligue 1 leaders' shock loss at Bordeaux on March 15 but is back in training ahead of Sunday's crunch clash with third-placed Olympique de Marseille.

However, there are no guarantees that he will play even if he is fit, given that he has yet to nail down a regular berth in PSG's midfield since arriving at the Parc des Princes from Newcastle in January 2014.

That has led to speculation linking him with a move away from the French capital, but Cabaye says he is solely concerned with playing a key role in his club's quadruple bid."My future is only about getting back on the pitch," the 29-year-old told RMC."There are important matches to play and an exciting end to the season in store.

"We still have four competitions to play for. After that, there will be time to discuss things but, for now, my priority is to get back in shape. "Anyway, I have not lost sight of one of my main goals, which is Euro 2016. This will be important and we'll see how it will unfold.

"There are people working for me and I have full trust in them."But the important thing is to get back on the field in top condition."

Two-time defending champions PSG currently sit one point clear of Olympique Lyonnais at the summit of Ligue 1, with Marseille a further point back in third.

 

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Nedved: Juventus know that Barcelona want Pogba

Juventus director Pavel Nedved has admitted Barcelona and every other major club in Europe want to sign star midfielder Paul Pogba but defiantly pointed out that he remains under contract to the Serie A champions.

Since joining on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012, Pogba has established himself as one of Juve's stars and has been linked with a €100 million move away from Turin this summer.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have been tracking the France international for some time but Barcelona is being increasingly talked up as a possible destination for the 22-year-old.

Nedved, though, is uninterested with the mounting speculation regarding a possible transfer to Camp Nou, pointing out that Pogba is bound to Juve until 2019.
"We know that Barcelona and other great clubs want him, but he has a contract with us," the Bianconeri board member told El Mundo Deportivo.

Pogba is currently out of action until May with a hamstring injury sustained in the Champions League win at Borussia Dortmund earlier this month. However, Nedved is in no doubt that Juventus can cope without their midfield dynamo, who has bagged seven goals in 22 Serie A appearances this term.

"We lose a lot because of his absence," the Ballon d'Or winner stated. "He has great quality."But the rest of the squad know what they have to do to replace him."

Indeed, Nedved was quick to point out that the France star is not the only exciting youngster in the Juve squad, with Alvaro Morata having been called up to the Spain squad after impressing in his debut season in Serie A following last summer's move from Madrid."I like what he's doing and I'm happy about his national team selection," the 42-year-old said. "He deserved it.

"He can become a world-class player and he's also a great boy."

 

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Queiroz quits Iran job

Carlos Queiroz has left his position as Iran head coach after four years at the helm.
The ex-Real Madrid boss took charge in April 2011 and led the nation to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Iran also made the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup in Australia earlier this year, where they were defeated on penalties by Iraq.Queiroz, a former Manchester United assistant coach, had signed a contract extension in September committing himself to the job until the 2018 World Cup.

However, following a 3-1 friendly defeat to Sweden on Tuesday, the Portuguese has opted to bring an end his tenure."After four years of work with the national team, I am proud of the team and the individual players," Queiroz said.

"Now I am sad to leave the team, but that's life and I'm happy to be moving forward."

 

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Sahin: My family stopped me joining Arsenal

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin has revealed his family prevented him from completing a move to Arsenal as a teenager in 2005.

The 26-year-old is currently back at BVB after three unproductive years at Real Madrid, which included a five-month loan spell in the Premier League with Liverpool.

Sahin made just 12 appearances for the Reds and after his departure blamed his lack of success to manager Brendan Rodgers playing him out of position.

However, the Turkey international has also revealed he could have moved to England much earlier, with the Gunners keen to snap him up as a youngster.

"When I was in the Under-17s in 2005, Arsenal wanted to sign me with a great bid. My family didn't want me to go England," he told Ntvspor.

"They knew that Dortmund would rise again. I'm grateful for this. After the bid, Dortmund realised that I'm valuable.

"The next year Bert van Marwijk put me in the first team. I was only 16. Also [Jurgen] Klopp trusted me. He is a great person.

"He still keeps his humanity in the professional world. When I was in Madrid, he called me many times. We would talk for two to three hours but not about football."

The 26-year-old also spoke about his time at the Bernabeu and the differences between the Spanish giants and Klopp’s side.

"I came to Dortmund when I was 12. I scored my first goal against Schalke with the U-14 team," Sahin added.

"The Bundesliga fans like loyalty. Dortmund is the only place that I feel at home. Dortmund is my home.

"Madrid is a bit different, every player dreams about it. Madrid fans are familiar with success. They feel excited only by the El Clasico or the Champions League.

"Liverpool and Dortmund are different, especially Dortmund."

 

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Debuchy returns to Arsenal training

Arsenal full-back Mathieu Debuchy expressed his relief after stepping up his latest injury comeback.

The Frenchman moved to the Emirates Stadium from Newcastle United in July for an initial £8 million (€11m) fee plus add-ons, but has been limited to just 10 Premier League starts due to fitness problems.

Debuchy missed three months earlier this season with an ankle injury before a dislocated shoulder suffered against Stoke City in January saw him spend further time on the sidelines.

It appears as though he is nearing a return to the first team, though, after playing in a 4-0 friendly victory over Brentford on Tuesday in a match that also saw Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby feature.

Arsenal are in fine form having won nine of their past 10 league matches and welcome Liverpool to the Emirates on Saturday.

 

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Liverpool monitoring Napoli's Higuain talks

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Napoli ace Gonzalo Higuain as the Premier League side step up their search for a new striker.

The 27-year-old has been linked with a move away from Italy at the end of the current season despite the Partenopei's desire to tie him down to a more lucrative contract.

With key clashes in Serie A, the Europa League and the Coppa Italia coming up in the next few weeks, talks between the Italian club and their star forward have been shelved until the end of April.

However, Higuain's father, who is also is agent, is due to sit down with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis and Riccardo Bigon, the sporting director, at the end of the month, once the likelihood of Champions League football next season becomes clearer.

The Partenopei are willing to up the Argentine's basic salary and extend his current deal, which runs until 2018, by a further year.

However, while Higuain and his camp have publicly maintained that he is happy at the San Paolo, it is believed that a summer move would be welcomed.

Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on proceedings and are expected to head up the queue should the former Real Madrid striker become available.

Higuain has been linked with a move to Roma in the Italian press in recent weeks, while reports in both Italy and Spain this week have suggested that Barcelona are in the market for a 'Plan B' forward, and that Higuain fits the bill alongside Juventus striker Fernando Llorente.

Any move to Anfield would further complicate the future of Mario Balotelli, who moved back to England from AC Milan in the summer but has struggled to adapt to life under Brendan Rodgers this season.

The Reds boss has hinted on several occasions that the Italy international was not his first-choice signing and has publicly insisted that he improve his workrate and pressing of defenders if he is going to make it on Merseyside.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move back to Serie A, usually with Sampdoria, since October when he was chastised for swapping shirts with Real Madrid's Pepe at half-time of their Champions League clash.

A hamstring injury at the end of November hampered his progress further, and by the time he had returned to fitness Rodgers had moved to the 3-4-3 formation which propelled the club into the race for a top-four finish.

Balotelli has appeared to struggle with the new-found system, although he may get another chance to nail down a starting berth given fresh concerns over Daniel Sturridge's fitness.

However, tentative interest in Higuain highlights that Rodgers is moving ahead with his plans for next season, amid increasing uncertainty over Raheem Sterling's future, and Balotelli could also be cut adrift.

 

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Sterling 'flattered' by Arsenal link

Raheem Sterling admits it is “quite flattering” to be linked with a move to Arsenal as he insists his contract impasse with Liverpool will not be resolved before the summer.

In an interview with BBC Sport, the 20-year-old revealed he has turned down an offer of £100,000-a-week to extend his current contract at Anfield, which runs until the summer of 2017.

Last month Goal reported that Liverpool have drawn up a list of possible replacements for Sterling - one of whom is Arsenal winger Theo Walcott - as concern about the youngster’s long-term future on Merseyside grows.

But even as he remains adamant that he is no "money-grabbing 20-year-old" and is focused on his football rather than his future, Sterling did not attempt to hide his pleasure at being linked with the Gunners.

He said: "Yeah definitely it’s quite flattering [to be linked], but I try to just block everything out in my head and just keep playing football and doing well in my next game.

"My next game is against Arsenal [on Saturday] and I’ll be trying to my best against them, I won’t hide anything about that.

"I’m just happy to be playing football and want to do my best for Liverpool."

Sterling has emerged as a key figure at Liverpool and a regular starter for England over the past two years, scoring 11 goals in 50 appearances for club and country this season.

 

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Sterling: I'm not a money-grabbing 20-year-old


Raheem Sterling has hit back at reports painting him as a "money-grabber" after rejecting the offer of a new contract from Liverpool.

Despite prolonged talks the 20-year-old has failed to agree a long-term extension to his current contract, which expires in the summer of 2017, with the player stating that he has rejected a six-figure salary package.

Last month Goal revealed Liverpool have drawn up a list of potential replacements for Sterling - one of whom is Arsenal's Theo Walcott - as concerns about the youngster's long-term future at Anfield grow.

But in an interview with BBC Sport, Sterling is adamant he remains motivated by enjoying himself on the pitch and developing as a player rather than financial rewards.

"I don't want to be perceived as a money-grabbing 20-year-old," he insisted. "I just want to be seen as the kid that loves to play football."

Sterling has emerged as a key figure at Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers and an England regular over the past two years, and has scored 11 goals in 50 appearances for club and country this season.

Confirming he has rejected a £100,000 per week contract offer, Sterling added: "When I started out at QPR, I would never have dreamt of this day, to have such a huge offer in front of me.

"I'm really thankful. I just want to solely focus on my football right now. I want to win something at the end of the season and the FA Cup's a great chance."

 

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Real Madrid suffer Pepe blow

Real Madrid have confirmed that centre-back Pepe picked up a thigh injury during the 2-1 Clasico loss to Barcelona before the international break.The Brazil-born centre-back linked up with his Portugal team-mates but did not feature in the 2-1 win over Serbia before leaving the training camp on March 30.

Following tests in the Spanish capital, his club have confirmed that he has an injury in his right thigh but did not give any timescale for his return.

"After tests on the player Pepe by Real Madrid's medical services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to his right thigh. Pending evolution," a club statement read.Pepe started the game at Camp Nou on March 22 and featured for 73 minutes before being replaced by Raphael Varane.

The Frenchman is likely to slot in alongside Sergio Ramos while Pepe recovers, starting with the home clash against Granada on Sunday.

 

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Pedro: Barcelona exit talk is logical

Barcelona attacker Pedro has admitted rumours he could leave the club are only logical due to his lack of playing time.

Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez are firmly established as Luis Enrique's first choice options in attack at Camp Nou and the Masia graduate has been pushed to
the sidelines, making just 12 league starts so far this season.

Pedro has been linked with a move to England and acknowledges it is only normal for observers to believe he will leave Barca this summer."When you do not have a lot of playing time, of course you do not feel like one of the important players," he told Al Primer Toque.

"When you play few games, not many minutes, it is normal that there can be talk of leaving. That is logical.

"It is the same for all players; everyone wants to play. When you do not play in important games, then it is a difficult situation."There is a lot of talk at the moment. I am relaxed but it is difficult."

However, Pedro's focus is on securing silverware before the end of the current campaign. Barca sit top of La Liga and will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last eight, with a Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao also to look forward to.

He continued: "The most important thing is to remain calm and finish the season well. I hope I can help the team. There is no decision yet and at the moment I am with the club."

 

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Pedro Barcelona walin yai​

 

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Gomez: Barcelona couldn't lure me away from Fiorentina

Fiorentina striker Mario Gomez says that not even Barcelona could prise him away from Florence this summer.

The Germany international has scored nine goals in 24 appearances in all competitions this season, returning from injury to score a double in a 2-2 draw with Udinese in his side's last game.Gomez insists he is happy at the Viola, dismissing speculation that he could leave at the end of the season.

"I'm in the sights of Barcelona? The rumours do not interest me, I want to stay in Florence," he told Rai. "I came Fiorentina to win, I have a goal that I have not yet reached."Fiorentina are in the Europa League quarter-finals and hold a 2-1 lead over Juventus heading into the second-leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final and Gomez believes his side can maintain a strong end to the season.

"The only thing that is sure is that we won't win the Scudetto. Our goal is to play to win every game in the Europa League and cup then, once you get to the final, you have a 50 per cent chance to win."We have to give everything to win the cup.

"Even when you take home small victories like the one against Roma, the fans do amazing things and I don't have any idea what will happen if we take home a cup."

 

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Ibrahimovic reminds me of Cantona - Anigo

Former Marseille coach Jose Anigo says it would have been great had Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined Marseille instead of Paris Saint-Germain, saying the striker reminds him of Eric Cantona.

The outspoken Sweden international has been the star player for PSG since his move from AC Milan since 2012, inspiring the capital club to two Ligue 1 titles.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said recently that Ibrahimovic would be ideally suited to the Red Devils as he feels he would blossom at Old Trafford in the same way as Cantona.And Anigo says that, while Marseille fans jeer the 33-year-old now, they would have loved to have him at the Stade Velodrome.

"Everyone heckles him, but Marseille fans would have loved if he had played with OM. He reminds me of Cantona," the 53-year-old told Le 10 Sport.

Anigo, who took over from Elie Baup as caretaker boss last season before Marcelo Bielsa took control in summer, believes his former side can beat the league leaders when they clash on Sunday."I am convinced that Marseille will win. Bielsa is implementing a project with an ambitious game, even if it sometimes plays tricks on him, we must go on.

"PSG is still very strong, but they don't threaten as much in attack. If Bordeaux can beat them, then Marseille can. "A draw would keep them in the title race, a defeat, however, would be dramatic and dangerous for the future."

Ibrahimovic has scored 17 goals in 21 league goals this season heading into Sunday's match against Marseille, who sit two points behind the leaders.

 

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Liverpool interested in Neto, says agent

Liverpool are interested in signing Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto this summer, according to the 25-year-old's agent.

The Brazilian goalkeeper's contract expires at the end of the season and Neto is set to depart Fiorentina this summer, with a number of clubs interested in acquiring his signature.

Liverpool had been keen to sign Neto in January after a bid for Victor Valdes stalled, with the club in the market for a quality back-up to current No.1 Simon Mignolet.

And the shot-stopper's representative, Stefano Castagna, claims that the Reds have retained their interest in his client.

"The only thing that is official is that Neto will not be staying in Florence," Castagna told Gazzetta TV. "Since February 1, when it became possible to talk to other clubs, we've been evaluating offers that are interesting for the lad, in England, Germany and Spain in addition to Italy.

"One of those in England is Liverpool, and then there is a top Spanish club interested in him. Right now, the lad has to make a well pondered decision for his career.

"He's young and he's grown a great deal, but even when he was 18 he was one of the best in Brazil."

Juventus have been heavily linked with a move to acquire Neto but Castagna insists that no deal has been struck, while he has ruled out the possibility of the goalkeeper joining the club before being loaned out.

"We would say no, clearly," he said when asked about the possibility of a short-term move. "He's playing regularly now and has plenty of objectives with Fiorentina, with the cups and the league. Then we'll see what decision we will take.

"If you decide to join a top club then it's obvious you're competing with other good goalkeepers, but if you join one of the top 10 clubs in Europe, then it's an opportunity you've obviously got to fight for."