Diego finalises Juventus switch

After bringing free-agent Fabio Cannavaro back to Turin last week, Juventus have made their second signing ahead of the 2009/10 season by acquiring the services of Brazilian playmaker Diego from Werder Bremen for €24.5m.

Influential role
The 24-year-old former Santos FC and FC Porto midfielder has signed a five-year deal with the Bianconeri after undergoing a medical in Turin. Diego was instrumental for the Bremen side which reached the UEFA Cup final this month, but a suspension forced him to miss the showpiece match in Istanbul, where the Bundesliga team were defeated 2-1 by FC Shakhtar Donetsk in extra time.

'New challenge'
"I'm really happy because this is a great club and I have known Juventus since I was a child," Diego said. "After the experiences in Portugal and Germany this is a new challenge for me in a very difficult and competitive championship. It's the right moment for me to move to Italy and I'm sure I will be able to win a lot with this club."

Bremen praise
Diego's future has been a hot topic of discussion in recent months and with the speculation now over, he is hoping to bid goodbye to Bremen by helping them win the German Cup final against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. "Now I want to concentrate on Saturday's final because I want to say goodbye to Werder's fans in the best way," he said. "I owe them a lot and have to thank them because they helped my growth as a player."

Playmaker tradition
Diego's mission at Juve will be to renew the club's tradition of great playmakers, with the likes of Michel Platini, Roberto Baggio and Zinédine Zidane all winning the Ballon d'Or while wearing the Bianconeri shirt. Juve's 3-0 win at AC Siena on Sunday, the first game under new coach Ciro Ferrara, gave them their first Serie A victory in eight games and guaranteed a place in next season's UEFA Champions League group stage.