Juventus” data-scaytid=”1″>Juventus director general Beppe Marotta felt the Italian champions were always in pole position to sign Carlos Tevez.
Juventus director general Beppe Marotta felt the Italian champions were always in pole position to sign Carlos Tevez.
The Argentine has joined the Turin giants after a transfer fee, initially of €9m, was agreed with Manchester City.
“It was a difficult signing, but one which has made us very proud because he is a player who we have wanted to get for a few years,” Marotta said as the forward was unveiled on Thursday.
“We managed it this time despite some tough competition – and I am talking about Italian and foreign clubs. Teams which represent the elite of the game.
“Even when we were defining the details, an important European side made a move for him,” Marotta, thought to be referring to Real Madrid, added.
“However, Carlitos, through his agents, had always underlined his desire to wear our shirt. We kept a low profile, but we were always optimistic.”
Tevez requested that he be handed the No 10 shirt that belonged to Alessandro Del Piero and the club have agreed.
“The club felt that the player was of the right profile, who had professional and human qualities, to become the jersey’s heir,” the official added.
“It is certainly a heavy shirt to wear, but sooner or later somebody was going to get it. It was right to show him our faith.”
Juventus have been widely applauded for their swoop, but Marotta reminded everyone of their already wrapped up move for Athletic Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente.
“Tevez is our second signing, because we have already netted Llorente on a Bosman. He’s an equally important arrival.”