Marotta: 'No reason for Vidal exit'

By Football Italia staff

“There is no reason” for Arturo Vidal to quit Juventus and Beppe Marotta would be “very surprised” if he requested a transfer.

Director Marotta was naturally asked about Vidal’s future during a presentation Press conference for Roberto Pereyra.

“It’s very simple. Vidal extended his contract with us last season, as there was a reciprocal desire to continue this rapport,” noted Marotta.

“There is no reason for him to leave. Yesterday he gave an interview in a rushed and embarrassed manner, as he was getting his luggage and so was misinterpreted.

“I can assure and confirm Vidal is happy to be with us and there’s no reason for alarm. He had these problems with the knee injury and rushing the recovery for the World Cup, so will take a while to find his fitness.

“Nobody can doubt the quality of the player, nor how strong his bond is with Juventus.”

Would Marotta be surprised if Vidal asked for a transfer?

“Absolutely yes. It is a very remote chance, considering what the lad is like, and so I’m not even considering the possibility.

“The situation around him is typical of the transfer market when several big clubs admire him. Vidal exploded in a fairly unexpected way over the last two years to become one of the most important players in the world.

“He is naturally linked to big clubs, but I’ll point out Juventus are a big club too and we intend to hold on tight. I don’t get the sensation he wants to leave us.”

Marotta was also asked about their search for a striker after a knee injury ruled new arrival Alvaro Morata out for 50 days.

“So far we are satisfied, as we achieved the targets we were aiming for, when it comes to the profile of the player needed.

“We are keeping a close eye on the evolution of the market, though obviously there are many problems with clubs who own the players we are interested in. It changes hour by hour.”

The main name linked with the Bianconeri is Samuel Eto’o, who is a free agent.

“We’ve never talked about Eto’o. The squad needs at least five strikers, so we are missing someone, especially considering Alvaro Morata’s injury.

“Whether the target is Eto’o or someone else, I prefer not to say. As Giovanni Trapattoni said, in this market don’t say cat unless it’s in the bag.

“I can confirm we are looking for another forward.”

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