THURAM: JUVE CAN MATCH MY AMBITION

The defender moved from Parma in the summer, but admitted that he had a number of offers, one of which was from Old Trafford, that made his decision extremely difficult.

However, the Turin giants won the race when he realised that they were a club capable of matching his own ambitions.

The French international, who signed a five-year deal, said: "It's true it was difficult to make a choice because I was lucky enough to have contact with several important clubs.

"After a lot of thought, Juventus became evident because you can't find a better team for what I am looking for - ambition."

He also claimed that The Red Devils` offer failed as he did not want upheaval at this stage of his career.

"As I already knew Italy, the Juve opportunity allowed me to aim higher without starting again from scratch."

Speaking to France Football, Thuram set out his goals, adding: "I signed for five years here and I hope I won't leave without a title."

The 29-year-old appears happy to stay at the Stadio Delle Alpi for the long term, saying: "Anyway, I think I will end my career here."

He expressed his surprise at Zinedine Zidane`s transfer to Real Madrid.

"I was surprised," he said. "When I talked with Zizou, he was certain he would stay. The Juventus officials also assured me he would be here this season, but I didn't choose Juventus only to play with Zizou.

"Of course, I would have preferred it if he had stayed, but we will try to do our best without him."