Moggi Admits Juve Interest In Kezman
Monday 9th April 2001
Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi has revealed that his club are
interested in PSV Eindhoven striker Mateja Kezman, but indicated that they
are not likely to make a bid for him in the near future. He also ruled out a
move for Internazionale striker Christian Vieri or Valencia winger Kily
Gonzalez.
"Kezman is an excellent young player," Moggi said. "He is one of the
greatest prospects in Europe. But PSV have out too high a price on him, and,
anyway, we have too many strikers at the moment."
Moggi went on to stress that the club has no reason to think of tinkering
with their forward line, dismissing rumours suggesting that Juve might be
preparing to swap Filippo Inzaghi for Vieri.
"I would not swap a player who is scoring for Juventus," he said. "Let's
just say that Vieri will not come to Juventus. At this time in the season,
Juve's players should only think about how they can play at their best and,
if possible, challenge Roma for the Scudetto. When the season is over, we'll
discuss how we'll go on.
"Kily Gonzalez won't be joining us, despite the rumours - we have bought
Athirson to cover that position. We did try to buy Lilian Thuram, and were
prepared to pay well, but Parma didn't want to sell him."
Moggi was insistent that Juve were not looking to completely overhaul the
squad, despite two successive disappointing Champions' League campaigns.
"In the past six years," he went on, "by pursuing these policies, we have
had more success than any other team in Italy. Even if we finish second this
year, I wouldn't consider it an unsuccessful season."
