Genoa land Motta

Italians win chase for midfielder

By Nadia Carminati   Last updated: 15th September 2008

Genoa land Motta

Motta: Genoa move

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Genoa have announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder Thiago Motta on a four-year deal.

Motta was a free agent following his departure from Atletico Madrid over the summer and had been linked with a number of clubs.

Everton and Portsmouth were both understood to be interested, while Juventus and AC Milan were also keen on the 26-year-old.

Motta has had several injury problems in recent seasons but he has already passed a medical with Genoa.

The former Barcelona man watched Genoa beat Milan 2-0 on Sunday and club president Enrico Preziosi confirmed after the final whistle that he had signed.

The transfer concludes a busy summer for the Rossublu, who have already brought in Diego Milito, Ruben Olivera, Matteo Ferrari, Raffaele Palladino, Bosko Jankovic, Giandomenico Mesto and Andrea Gasbarroni.