Marotta: ‘Vidal asked to leave’

By Football Italia staff

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta reveals Arturo Vidal ‘wanted a different experience’ and insists Paul Pogba is not for sale.

The Chilean midfielder is on the verge of completing a transfer to Bayern Munich, and the director confirms the former Bayer Leverkusen man asked to be sold.

“We’ve always said we won’t sell players unless the players indicate that’s what they want,” Marotta told a Press conference.

“That’s how it was. [Carlos] Tevez asked to return home to Argentina. [Andrea] Pirlo made some assessments, and decided he wanted a new experience.

“[Angelo] Ogbonna asked for opportunity and consistency in playing time, and as for Vidal I asked him before I went to meet the Bayern Munich leadership.

“He confirmed he wanted a different experience. I’d also emphasise that the player had a contract ending in 2017, while they’re offering him a five-year contract, and that’s very important for his future.

“We’re not a selling club, we’re attentive to those who can increase our quality level.”

Perhaps the club’s most saleable asset is French midfielder Paul Pogba, but Marotta insisted he would not be following Vidal out of the exit door.

“Obviously a he’s a player who we really believe in. He’s a young player who has developed here, who has shown great respect and considers this his natural habitat.

“We’re in the position where we’ll listen to interest from other clubs, as we have done this window. We didn’t sit down with anyone to start a negotiation, because we believe Pogba is an important part of our team.

“In the event he says he’s not happy to continue his adventure with Juventus, we might look at some offers.

“At the moment that hasn’t happened.”

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