Paratici: 'Mandzukic to Qatar'

By Football Italia staff

Juventus director Fabio Paratici confirms Mario Mandzukic is heading towards Qatar rather than MLS or LAFC. “He has been an important player for us.”

The Croatia international was left out of the squad travelling to face Fiorentina, as after being dropped from the Champions League squad list, his future seems to be elsewhere.

“There are market opportunities that present themselves,” Paratici told Sky Sport Italia.

“Mario has been a very important player for us over the years, he proved himself at every level, there is a possibility and in agreement with him, the Coach and his agent, we decided it was best he didn’t come on this trip.”

Is the offer from MLS, for example LAFC, or in Qatar?

“It’s Qatar.”

Rather than Al-Gharafa, the club in question is believed to be Medhi Benatia's Al-Duhail.

Maurizio Sarri returns to the bench today after missing the Parma and Napoli wins while he recovered from pneumonia.

“Sarri is very relaxed, but of course I challenge any Coach to be calm when he can’t stay on the touchline in contact with his team during a match. It was a difficult situation.”

Paratici was asked if he believes the squad is stronger now than it was last season, especially with an eye on the Champions League.

“We always think of taking an extra step forward and improving a little more every time and feel we’ve done that again this season.”

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