Van Der Sar Condemns Two-Faced Juventus
Friday 3rd August 2001
Fulham goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has criticised Juventus for signing �33 million Gianluigi Buffon behind his back. "I've got some bad feelings towards Juventus. I did not have a nice end to my career there," the Holland international admitted.
"We had a meeting a few weeks before the end of the league and they didn't give any sign of signing another goalkeeper. We had some arguments and it was a difficult period for me," the �7 million stopper explained.
"Sometimes people decide something, and if it's coming from a higher level, it's impossible to fight against something like that."
Van der Sar, who signed a four-year contract at Craven Cottage, revealed that the atmosphere around the club was reminiscent of his early days at Ajax.
"It reminds me of eight or nine years ago with Ajax, where the football was not that big yet. Here, there is a nice atmosphere and everybody is friendly, like a family. I feel appreciated.
"I've spoken to a lot of players and they all thought it is not a small club to sign for. There is a lot of potential and a lot of possibilities. I think Mr Tigana has big, big thoughts for Fulham. The chairman wants to make it as big as possible.
"The ambition of the club is to go to a high level. Right away, the championship is difficult. It is not realistic. It's not going to work in two years, maybe in four years. I think, with the help of the team, the training staff, the board of directors and the chairman, there are some possibilities to do some nice things here."
Van der Sar has won 44 caps for Holland, but suffered criticism from Juve fans last season after his dismissal in a 3-1 defeat at Panathinaikos in November. The result effectively sealed the Bianconeri's exit from the Champions' League.
He then saw the club splash out �33 million on Italy No 1 Gianluigi Buffon, despite conceding fewer goals than any other first-choice goalkeeper in Serie A.
Agent Rob Jansen claimed recently that Van der Sar had turned down Barcelona and was not interested in joining Liverpool.
