Montero Reassures Juve Over Real Rumours
Wednesday 13th February 2002
Juventus defender Paolo Montero has promised he will never leave for another European club, ending speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.
"It is not true that I'm going to Real. I'll only leave Juve to return home to Uruguay," he said.
Juve have conceded three goals in six games since Montero returned to action after five weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury and Real were reportedly interested in the centre-back to add experience when veteran Fernando Hierro bows out.
Francisco Pavon, 22, has enjoyed an excellent debut season for the Madrid side, but is still learning.
Montero, who signed for Juventus in 1996 after four seasons with Atalanta, nonetheless believes Serie A is still the place to be. "If a footballer needs to improve, he should play in Italy. It is the most difficult league in the world," he said.
The hardman also remains modest about his importance to the club.
"It's not true that I am the most vital Juventus defender," he said. "Juve are just a point behind Roma because of how well Ciro Ferrara has been playing and the important goals he has scored.
"And you can't forget Mark Iuliano. When Igor Tudor and I were injured at the start of the season, there were problems but Ferrara and Iuliano did well.
"Gianluigi Buffon and Gianluca Pessotto were also instrumental in the scoreless draw with Roma at the weekend. And Iuliano is having a fantastic season."
The 30-year-old stressed that Uruguay have a number of replacements should he be ruled out of action again.
"There is a player who can come in for me for Uruguay. You know him very well as he plays for Internazionale and his name is Gonzalo Sorondo. Alejandro Lembo is another quality Uruguayan defender," he said.
