Thuram: English football still strong

The Juventus man is delighted to see three Italian sides through into the quarter finals of the flagship European competition - but believes that the quality left in the competition by the final group stages makes it something of a lottery.

"This is not the revival of Italian clubs," said the French international. "Nor is it the death of English clubs.

"Milan were the only team to qualify comfortably, both Juve and Inter had to battle hard to get through.

"Milan are an excellent advert for Italian football.

"They are a lot more elaborate than my Juve side, which is better adapted to Italian football.

"You can evaluate a nation's strength from the way its clubs are playing.

"Spanish football is dominating Europe - and they appear to have developed in a way that lets individuals shine."

Thuram admits that he would have loved to have remained loyal to a club throughout his career - in the manner of Paolo Maldini at Milan - but admitted he could not have stayed with first love Monaco because of the low standard of Le Championnat.

"My ideal was to stay with the same club for my whole career," insisted Thuram, "a Maldini-like career.

"If Monaco had been in another league I would have remained with them."

Finally Thuram commented on the controversial Confederations Cup - insisting he would love to play.

"Why shouldn't I play?" he asked. "Are there any rules against it?

"If I am released by the club and the selector calls me then I will play.

"It is a beautiful competition isn't it?"