Wednesday, 24th October, 2012
Juventus have denied launching a bid to sign former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who currently turns out for Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.
Drogba ended an eight-year spell at Stamford Bridge at the end of last season, choosing to continue his career in China with the Blue Devil, where he is handsomely rewarded through a lucrative contract.
However, there has been much speculation that the Ivorian striker is not happy at Shanghai Shenhua and is open to returning to Europe.
Juventus have been long-time admirers of the 34-year-old and, in the market for further firepower, have been mooted as pushing ahead with a deal to tempt Drogba to Turin.
Were the striker to land in Italy, he would be closer to his children, who he admitted still live in London.
But Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has poured cold water on the thought that Drogba could sign for the Italian champions.
relatedNewsStory"We have never considered making a bid for Drogba", Marotta told Italian TV channel Mediaset Premium.
"This is only rumour and speculation", he added.
It remains to be seen whether Juventus will change their stance, but if Drogba did want to return to European football then it is likely he would have to take a substantial pay cut on the wages he currently earns with Shanghai Shenhua.
Still only 34 though and fresh from having powered Chelsea to last season’s Champions League, there seems little doubt he could still cut the mustard in any of Europe’s leagues.
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