AGENT: HAKAN SUKUR IS NOT GOING TO JUVE
HAKAN SUKUR is not going to Juventus as a replacement for long-term injury victim Marcelo Salas, and the player's agent Hakan Azman also explained to planetfootball why an expected move to The Premiership has failed to materialise.
Internazionale star Sukur was immediately one of the names mentioned who could step into the breach at Juve when Salas picked up a knee injury that may end his season.
However, Juve were quick to deny that they were looking to buy a stop-gap, and Hakan Azman insists that quotes attributed to his player of an impending deal are false.
"It is not true." Azman told planetfootball. "I've called Inter and spoken to [Sports director] Gabriele Oriali, he checked it and there was no offer from Juventus so the news is not true.
"Also my client Hakan Sukur personally told me there's no contact from the Juventus coach Marcello Lippi or the club.
"Papers make things up to get stories, unfortunately that is the case in Turkey too."
Sukur had reportedly told the Turkish press that things were in the pipeline, allegedly stating: "The two clubs have accepted a deal that takes into account of all the details in the contract between Inter and me.
"There are still five English clubs that want me, but I want to say that I have accepted the offer of Juventus.
"Everything will be clear in a couple of days."
Azman went on to explain that a move to Liverpool had been put on hold because of a major point of disagreement between the two clubs and the recent heart surgery that Reds boss Gerard Houllier was forced to undergo, and reiterated that Blackburn Rovers were just too small for his charge.
"I had arranged a meeting with Mr. Houllier, and Liverpool were still interested but Gerard had to go in for a heart operation.
"Everything is on hold at the moment, but to honest I think there was a major obstacle to the transfer because Liverpool wanted the player on loan and Inter only wanted a permanent deal.
"It is a shame because the English style would be very suitable for Hakan.
"Hakan chose not to go to Blackburn. After playing for such a big club, it is very difficult to play for little clubs like Blackburn."
Meanwhile, Manchester United`s Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has given one of his national shirts to Ronaldo, as the Brazilian continues his return to action.
Brazilian superstar Ronaldo is making steady progress from a devastating knee injury, and is looking to make a return to Serie A action in the near future.
He has made two appearances this term, both in the Uefa Cup, and van Nistelrooy has sent his shirt to Ronaldo along with a not of support as he nears his league return.
Van Nistelrooy can sympathise with the Brazilian`s frustration, as he also suffered a serious knee ligament injury during his time with PSV Eindhoven, and the gesture is certain to be well received by Ronaldo.
