JUVENTUS HAVE ANNOUNCED the signing of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi in a deal worth an initial €20million.
The 30-year-old arrived in Turin on Wednesday and began his medical, which was then completed on Thursday prior to him signing a three-year contract with the Italian champions.
The deal could rise to €30.5m if certain appearance-related bonuses are triggered during Matuidi’s time with the club.
Juve have been active in the transfer window, with Matuidi’s arrival adding to the likes of Federico Bernardeschi, Wojciech Szczesny, Mattia De Sciglio and Douglas Costa.
Matuidi spent six seasons at PSG and was a key performer throughout his spell, winning Ligue 1 four times among 16 domestic trophies.
The midfielder made 295 appearances in all competitions for PSG, scoring 33 goals, and will hope to make his debut as Juve begin their Serie A campaign at home to Cagliari on Saturday.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi paid tribute to Matuidi for his service to the club and assured he will always be welcome at Parc des Princes.
“I will have excellent memories of Blaise’s six seasons in our shirt,” said Al-Khelaifi in a statement.
He is a player who played every game with great generosity and a permanent desire to win everything, gaining the admiration of all.
“Blaise will remain in our hearts and he will always be welcome in the great family of PSG.
“We wish him every success for this first challenge abroad and all the possible success with the French national team at the upcoming World Cup.”
His departure comes as PSG look to balance the books following their world-record €222m signing of Neymar from Barcelona.
The France international has never played outside of his homeland before, with Troyes and Saint-Etienne his other former clubs.
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Really enjoyed reading that interview, he seems like a interesting and genuinely top bloke! I wish the “man up” irish culture was more, man up and be yourself whatever happens to feel like to you not your peers , rather than bury you insecurities and fit in.. I wish someone had said that to me as a teen I probably would have been alot happier through out my early adult life and less of a tool bag meathead … Gotta love a bit of hindsight!!
Loved that Kevin. Cheers.
What a man
I have his book “Screaming at the Sky “ – was interested after hearing him interviewed about it . A top class book. I love sports autobiographies and even though not from a hurling background I thought it was top class .