Sissoko completes Juve switch

Midfielder agrees £8.2m move to Italy

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 29th January 2008

sissoko

Sissoko: Juve switch

This move certainly constitutes a step forward in my career.

Mohamed Sissoko
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Juventus have completed the signing of Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko for £8.2million.

Claudio Ranieri has been chasing the Mali international for the majority of the January transfer window after it became clear Reds boss Rafa Benitez was open to offers.

Sissoko, who is currently on Africa Cup of Nations duty, joined Liverpool in 2005 in a £5.6m move from Valencia.

However, the 23-year-old has struggled for first-team football at Anfield following the loan arrival of Javier Mascherano.

Five-year deal

And Juve manager Ranieri has now swooped to reinforce his central midfield by offering Sissoko a five-year contract as he bids to keep pace with Roma and Internazionale at the top of Seire A.

Sissoko has welcomed the move to Juve and believes the switch will allow him to progress in his career.

"I'm happy to have joined such an important club, this move certainly constitutes a step forward in my career," he told the Juventus TV channel.

"I feel very excited to think about the possibility of playing with great players such as (Gianluigi) Buffon and (Alessandro) Del Piero and to work under Ranieri, a great coach who I already know from my time at Valencia."

Experience

And Juventus director Jean-Claude Blanc believes Sissoko will bring experience to the club.

"He is an important element in the strengthening of our squad," added Blanc.

"Despite being only 23, Sissoko is a player of great experience having played more than 30 UEFA Champions League matches. He has also played many matches in big leagues and for his country."

The sale of Sissoko is expected to provide Benitez with additional funds to finance a permanent transfer for Mascherano.