Juventus Sporting Director Giuseppe Marotta: It Wasn't Easy Signing Alessandro Matri From Cagliari

Giuseppe Marotta has admitted that it was difficult recruiting Matri and also explained the failure to sign Giampaolo Pazzini.
Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that signing striker Alessandro Matri from Cagliari was not an easy transaction.

The forward moved to Turin on a six-month loan deal and the Bianconeri have the option of completing a permanent transfer for the 26-year-old for a €15.5 million fee in summer, having paid €2.5m for the loan.

“It was a difficult transaction, we took advantage of the chance given by [Cagliari] president [Massimo] Cellino who accepted to release the striker," he told Juve's official website.

"We targeted Matri some time ago and we knew that he was followed by several other clubs.

"Moreover, the transaction had to be managed on several tables, considering the simultaneous release of Amauri.”

Marotta went on to speak about Juve's failed attempt to sign Giampaolo Pazzini, who joined rivals Inter instead.

“I’m still hearing media talking about Pazzini. He’s a great player, like Matri, and many clubs wanted to sign him.

"However, Inter signed him with a permanent contract and we didn’t at this stage. We opted for a loan, intending to buy the player in June, being also aware of the possibility to add some other players as compensation.

"Maybe one of our young players who has to practice at a higher level. But I’d like to point out that the option to buy is a right, not an obligation.”