Sissoko joins Juventus influx

Juventus have made their third signing of the week with Malian international midfielder Mohamed Sissoko moving to Italy from Liverpool FC for a fee that could rise to €13m.

'Great step forward'
Sissoko, who turned 23 on 22 January, arrived in Turin yesterday to undergo medical tests before putting pen to paper on a five-year contract with Juventus, who have paid an initial €11m for his services with the remaining €2m dependent on appearances. Sissoko then left for Ghana, where he is representing his country in the African Cup of Nations with Mali due to face Ivory Coast in their final Group B game on Tuesday afternoon. "I'm happy to play for such an important club," said Sissoko after signing. "I feel this is a great step forward for my career."

Familiar face
Sissoko was born in Rouen in France and started his career at AJ Auxerre before moving to Valencia CF in 2003 without making a league appearance. After two years in Spain, helping the club to a Primera División and UEFA Cup double in the first of those seasons under Rafael Benítez, he followed the former Valencia coach to Liverpool in 2005 and won the English FA Cup in his first season. He struggled to win a regular role, however, making only 51 Premier League appearances in his two-and-a-half years at Anfield including only six this season, and has opted to link up again with the man who succeeded Benítez at Valencia, Claudio Ranieri – now in charge of Juve. The Turin team are third in Serie A and announced the arrivals of Olof Mellberg and Guglielmo Stendardo on Monday.