Momo Sissoko - Signs contract extension

[azzurri]

For €13m

Im not to happy about this transfer. Not so much because pundits in England hardly consider him a footballer, his price, or even his comments about Juve taking a U-turn in 6 months. With Zanetti and Nocerino playing well, and a lack of creativity in the side, this transfer doesn't improve us at all. Unless it's part of a larger picture, I dont see y were wasting that kind of a money in that position. It would have made more sense to bring Giovinco back from loan which would actually be improving the quality of our side, and it wouldn't cost anything.

U can listen to Sissoko talking about it here:
Momo to join Juve imminently [AUDIO] - Liverpool FC - Liverpool FC - LFC Online

[D-Kin]

Pointless.

We don't need any more ball winners, we need some flair and creativity.

He can't pass and that will be his downfall in Serie A.

I'm not happy about this.

[Jager]

I don't understand the price to be honest. That is a lot.

[D-Kin]

Rafa releases Sissoko to Juve Friday 25 January, 2008

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Rafa Benitez and Mohamed Sissoko have confirmed a move to Juventus could be completed over the weekend.

Liverpool midfielder Sissoko has made it abundantly clear for some time that he wants to leave the Premiership side and reunite with his former Valencia Coach Claudio Ranieri.

"I have very good contact with Juve and my agent is in Turin to have negotiations," Sissoko told Sky Sports News.

Now Liverpool boss Benitez has also noted that a deal is in the offing for the 23-year-old, as money from this sale would be poured back into making Javier Mascherano a permanent buy.

"It could help," Benitez told Liverpool's official website.

"We don't have too much news but we are working with Sissoko and I think we are close to a final solution which will be good for him and the club.

"I have confidence Mascherano will stay with us. I don't know the exact position now but I talked to the player yesterday and he wants to stay.

"I have had some contact with the owners. We were talking before about Sissoko and Mascherano. We are working and being pro-active."

Juve cleared a place for Sissoko – who is currently with Mali at the African Cup of Nations – this week by handing Sergio Almiron to Monaco.

Tiago Mendes is also expected to leave Turin during the transfer window in a £9m move to Tottenham.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[LAF]

...well he's still young. I think I used that as reasoning for signing Boumsong too *GULP*.

So how long before we sell him to a Spanish/French club then?

[Sven]

quite possibly biggest diver i've seen in passed 1-3 years, ive seen drog,mess and specialit ron play.

hes average at best, his best game was in community shield for pool, only because he was the fitest player at the time.

[azzurri]

It's just a matter of waiting till Juve announce it.

[D-Kin]

Juve complete Sissoko deal Tuesday 29 January, 2008

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Juventus have officially completed the signing of midfielder Mohamed Sissoko from Liverpool.

The deal has been on the cards for weeks since the Mali international admitted his desire to join the side he supported as a child.

The fee amounts to around £8.2m and Sissoko has penned a five-year contract with the Bianconeri.

Juve will pay Liverpool in three instalments - £3.2m initially, followed by £2.5m on July 10, 2009 and another £2.5m on July 10, 2010.

There is also a further sum that could be payable depending on performance in the coming season.

“I am happy to have arrived at such an important club,” Sissoko said in his first interview with the Juventus Channel.

“This experience will surely be a step forward for my career. I am emotional at the thought of being able to play with great champions with the calibre of Gigi Buffon and Alessandro Del Piero and the chance to link up with Claudio Ranieri, a top Coach who I worked with at Valencia.”

Sissoko will be available to Ranieri as soon as Mali’s African Cup of Nations adventure in Ghana ends.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[LAF]

Lets hope he proves us all wrong.

[azzurri]

Let's hope he is a part of a larger plan for our midfield. If were willing to spend that type of money on Sissoko, hopefully this means Juve wont be cheap on Diego or VDV, 2 players we could really use.

[azzurri]

[D-Kin]

Sissoko on Juve mission Wednesday 30 January, 2008

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Mohamed Sissoko cannot wait to get started in his new career with Juventus. “I am a warrior,” said the former Liverpool star.

The midfielder completed his transfer this week and is expected to make his debut against Cagliari after Mali’s elimination from the African Cup of Nations.

“I am very happy to be in Turin, I completed my medical and feel very good,” said Sissoko.

“Juventus are a great club and many champions have played here, so it is truly fantastic to be a part of that aged 23.”

It is a reunion for the midfielder and Claudio Ranieri, who already worked together in Spain at Valencia.

“I have seen many Serie A games, they play beautiful football and there are plenty of talents, some of whom play for Juventus, so it will be fantastic to be by their side and of course to work with Ranieri again.

“He was my Coach at Valencia, I know his character and the way he views football. I think he is a great tactician.”

Sissoko already has an enviable CV with a Liga title, UEFA Cup, two European Super Cups, an FA Cup and League Cup.

“I am a warrior and I like to put pressure on opponents. My objective is to become a great midfielder and at Juventus I can do that,” added the 23-year-old.

“This will be a crucial experience for me and an important step in my career.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Sissoko’s ready to go Friday 1 February, 2008

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Mohamed Sissoko could make his debut for Juventus against Cagliari this weekend and is enjoying his fresh start.

The Mali international signed from Liverpool for a fee that will amount to £8.2m and has arrived early in Turin due to his elimination from the African Cup of Nations.

Sissoko took part in his first morning training session with the Old Lady today and was enthusiastic in his new surroundings.

“I chose this side because they are ambitious and full of champions,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I like the Juventus mentality and the power of a side that has rebuilt itself from nothing and kept the will to win intact.

“To arrive at one of the biggest teams in the world at the age of 23 is a big challenge – they were my first choice and I never had any doubt.

“Since I was young I have had a particular admiration for Del Piero and I enjoyed watching him play – it’s hard to believe that I am his teammate.

“This year we want to qualify for the Champions League and I am ready to play against Cagliari on Sunday.

“I spoke to Jonathan Zebina and he explained to me how the club works and talked to me about life here. I feel a great responsibility, but also pride.

“What should you expect from me? I am an aggressive midfielder,” he continued. “When I first started playing for Liverpool I got lots of yellow cards, but then I learned how things work. My job is to get the ball back and make the team play.

“Comparisons with Vieira? He has already shown that he is a great champion and I need to prove that I am too.”

Sissoko left Liverpool in slightly acrimonious circumstances after falling out of favour at Anfield.

“I played regularly in my first two seasons in England, but in the last few months there were some difficulties,” he explained. “My morale wasn’t excellent but I opted for a fresh start and wanted new challenges.”

Sissoko concluded by explaining his choice to take the No 22 shirt for the Bianconeri.

“I am very superstitious and I will wear the No 22 shirt because I have two twin brothers who were born on January 2,” he grinned. “It seemed like the right number for me.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[azzurri]

His first minutes in a new team, in a new league, were pretty good. I was nervous everytime he passed the ball, but kept it simple. He made some nice tackles as well (1 was wrongly called for a foul). He had a good debut. I just hope Ranieri doesn't plan on pairing Nocerino/Sissoko alot.

[D-Kin]

Sissoko: I’m better than Mascherano Friday 8 February, 2008

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Juventus new boy Mohamed Sissoko has struck back at claims he was a consolation prize in the transfer window.

The Cadetti champions were targeting Sissoko along with Liverpool teammate Javier Mascherano, but reports suggest that their finances made Sissoko the only choice.

Sporting director Alessio Secco met with criticism for opting for the Mali international, who was seen as a cheap alternative, but Sissoko is adamant that he is a better player than his former colleague.

“Trust me, I am better than Mascherano,” he told Tuttosport. “I will win titles.”

The 23-year-old made his Juve debut in last weekend’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Cagliari when he replaced Tiago Mendes after 67 minutes.

Sissoko could start his first game for the Old Lady this weekend, as they take on Udinese in a crucial Champions League qualification battle.

Cristiano Zanetti will return from suspension and could play alongside the former Valencia man.

Mauro Camoranesi is fit and ready to start, but Azzurri goalkeeper Gigi Buffon looks almost certain to miss out with a persistent back problem.

channel4.com - Football Italia