Forget my Juve past, Sousa tells Fiorentina fans

Photo By Francisco Leong

Fledgling Fiorentina coach Paulo Sousa called on the club's fans to forget his past with hated rivals Juventus as he was unveiled by the Serie A club on Monday.

News of Sousa's appointment prompted graffiti in the streets of Florence by some fans protesting his links with Juventus -- one of Fiorentina's most bitter rivals.

But Sousa, who joined the club after just a season in charge of FC Basel, said his only objective was to leave fans with good memories of his time in charge.

"I understand some fans remember me for being at Juventus but I want them to remember me for the work I do in Florence, and for achieving excellent results," said Sousa.

"I'm very happy the club have decided to put their trust in me. I've always believed I was the right coach for this project, and I'll do everything I can to repay that trust."

Sousa, 44, replaces Vincenzo Montella, who was sacked at the end of the season for what the club said was a "lack of respect".

Montella had been rumoured to be quitting Fiorentina for some time and after steering La Viola to a superb fourth-place finish, and qualification for the Europa League, he remained aloof about his commitment to the club.

Having spent two years coaching in England and Wales between 2008-2010 with Queens Park Rangers, Swansea City and Leicester City, Sousa went on to coach Videoton in Hungary (2011-2013) before steering Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli league title in 2014.

He joined FC Basel on a three-year contract last season, steering the Swiss giants to the Super League title before being handed the chance to return to Italy, where he played with Juventus as a midfielder in 1994-1996.

"I'll be up against top-level coaches but for me it is a great challenge," added Sousa. "I want to honour the history of the club, together we can achieve important objectives."

Source: Yahoo News

Gianluigi Buffon aims to play until he reach the age of 40.

Photo Source: Claudio Villa/Getty Images Europe

Gianluigi Buffon – a Juventus goalkeeper said that he is ready to play for another three seasons to achieve some of his dreams until he reach the age of 40.

On Saturday, after suffering for his second defeat with his team in their 3-1 slump to Barcelona  in a Champions League Final.

Photo by: Odd Andersen

The Italian World Cup winner could do nothing against the goals made by Luis Suarez, Neymar and Ivan Ratikic of Barcelona.

“In the second half, there were times when we believed we could steal a victory. Unfortunately we did not make it. But we had a good match, that is the important thing. We have no reason to blame ourselves.” – Buffon said.

Bufon who is now in 37, said that he still wanted to win the Champions League Final after talking about his own future.

"I want three more years at this level to reach a few more dreams," said the Juventus goalkeeper who is now handling the six Italian titles including the World Cup in 2006.

Buffon could be the latest Italian goalkeeper for a long line in terms of the Foot Ball Sports. Another Juventus legend Dino Zoff, at the age of 40 played the Wold Cup in year 1982. Coach of Sampdoria – Walter Zenga who is now 39, from being a star at Inter Milan and the Italian team, was still keep on playing for the New England Revolution held in the United States.

“Buffon was a part of  a fabulous team because of our achievement in winning the Italian double and reaching the Champions League Final” – said the Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.

“Of course I am said because you don't play in a final every year, but at the same time the team gave everything."

 This season has been good for our confidence and we mean to improve, not just in terms of results because that would mean we win everything." 

We want to consolidate and strengthen the team's qualities. Our aim is to stay at the top in Europe. And the most important is to win the Scudetto (Italian title). We were close in the Champions League, maybe we can win next year.” Added the proud coach Allegri.

Source: Yahoo News