Diego Ribas da Cunha



D.O.B: 28/02/1985 in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
Position: Attacking midfield
Squad number:
Nationality: Brazilian
Height: 1.74m (5'8")
Weight: 76kg
Nickname(s):

Serie A debut - 23/08/09 Juventus 1-0 Chievo

International debut 04/03 vs Mexico

2002 Santos A 22 8
2003 Santos A 33 9
2004 Santos A 9 4
Jan 2005 Porto A 30 -
2005-06 Porto A 19 -
2006-07 Werder Bremen A 33 13
2007-08 Werder Bremen A 30 13
2008-09 Werder Bremen A 21 12
2009-10 Juventus A 33 5

Honours

1 Campionato Brasileiro (2002)
1 Portuguese Liga (2006)
1 Intercontinental Cup (2004)
1 Portuguese SuperCup (2004)
1 German Cup (2009)
1 German League Cup (2006)
1 Salerno Mundialito (2000)
1 South American U17 Championship (2001)
1 Toulon Tournament (2002)
2 Copa América (2004, 2007)
1 Olympic Bronze Medal (2008)


Club career

Santos

Diego was first signed by the São Paulo team Santos at the age of 12. Diego developed in the Santos youth system, making his first team debut at the age of 16 in the Rio-São Paulo Championship in 2002 and in the same year he won the domestic Campeonato Brasileiro championship. He and Robinho were known as a famous duo when they played for Santos.

Porto

Diego was then signed by Portuguese club FC Porto in July 2004 as a replacement for the FC Barcelona-bound Deco. However, in 2005–2006, Diego did not maintain a stable place in the Porto team under coach Co Adriaanse and he subsequently left Porto for Werder Bremen.

Werder Bremen

In May 2006, Diego signed a contract with Werder Bremen until 2010 for a transfer fee of €6 million.

His first match for Werder Bremen came in the DFB-Ligapokal (League Cup). Werder Bremen won the cup beating Bayern Munich in the final on 5 August.

The 2006–07 Bundesliga season began well for Diego. He scored the first goal and set up two more for Bremen in their 4-2 win over Hannover 96, on 13 August. In his second match in the Bundesliga he set up both goals in the 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Thanks to his good performances in August, both in the Bundesliga and in the Premiere Ligapokal, Diego won the August Player of the Month award. As the Bundesliga season went on, Diego made several amazing performances and became one of the most valuable players for Werder Bremen, along with his team-mate Torsten Frings. They are called the "two motors of Bremen's midfield." In October 2006, he won a second Player of the Month award and again in December 2006. He was then named as the Best Player of the first half of the Bundesliga.

Werder Bremen finished in third place in Group A in the Champions League group stages, and they moved to the UEFA Cup, where they reached the semi-finals, beating AZ from the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, due in part to Diego's creative play.

On 15 April, Diego again played well, scoring in the 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund. Five days later, on 20 April, Bremen played against Alemannia Aachen. Although Diego's performance was good, he did not score until stoppage time when he scored from 62.5 metres, which later was elected as goal of the year. Bremen won the game 3-1 and topped the table with 60 points.

Following his good performances in the first half of the Bundesliga, Diego got called up to the Brazilian national football team in November.

After the 2006–07 season ended, Diego won the Bundesliga Player of the Season award organised by popular magazine Kicker. He got just over 50 percent of the votes. Unfortunately, his team did not win the Bundesliga after finishing 3rd in the table, behind champions VfB Stuttgart and Schalke 04.

Diego started the 2007-08 season well, scoring a penalty on the first matchday. Diego gave many outstanding performances. He was crucial as Bremen got through to the Champions League's group phase. They beat Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb 3-2 in Zagreb, with Diego scoring two penalties.

On the first Champions League Group Stage matchday, Bremen lost 2-1 to Real Madrid, but Diego's performance aroused interest in Real Madrid's coach Bernd Schuster. But the stories were put to an end when Diego signed a new contract which would last until 2011.

After the loss to Real Madrid, Bremen faced VfB Stuttgart, the defending German champions, at home. Werder won 4-1, with Diego leading the midfield. Later on in the season, Bremen achieved a historical 8-1 win over Arminia Bielefeld, with Diego assisting three goals and scoring one himself.

Diego was voted Player of the Month in September.

He then scored two goals on the way to the UEFA Cup final with Bremen but was suspended for the final, which Bremen eventually lost.

Juventus

On 26 May 2009, Diego signed a five-year contract to join Juventus at the end of the season. The fee paid to Bremen by Juventus is worth €24.5 million. The price can rise by a further €2.5 million in case of the fulfillment of established sports objectives in the next five years.

International career

Diego made his international debut in April 2003 in a friendly match against Mexico. He was later included in Brazil U-23 team that competed in 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup alongside Santos' teammate Robinho. Although Brazil compete as an under-23 team, the international appearances and goals were recorded as FIFA acknowledge the tournament as senior-team matches. He appeared five times and scored two goals as Brazil U-23 lost out to Mexico senior-team in the final.

In 2004, Diego was called up for the Brazil national squad for the Copa América 2004, and he was instrumental in securing the tournament victory for Brazil when he scored in the penalty shootout against Argentina in the final.

However, due to his decline in performance with FC Porto between 2004 and 2006, he was often left out of the Brazil squad. He was also left out of the Brazil squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

After a move to Werder Bremen, he regained his form and subsequently recalled to the Brazil squad for a in November 2006. He was then included in Brazil's squad for Copa América 2007, which Brazil went on to win, once again defeating Argentina in the final.

Diego also participated with Brazil U-23 team for 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Brazil went on to achieve Bronze medal with a third place finish in the tournament.

good informative post jj

thuoght this would've been posted since he joined though
guess you're just getting excited

good luck to the restless little attacking midfielder

I was just waiting for his squad number

Diego's presentation: http://www.vecchiasignora.com/index.php?showtopic=102713

Presentation at Pinzolo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RMHBJ5iGAg



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GOAkjPvWaQ...feature=related

With his parents His mum spent lots of money on Diego shirts and a Del Piero one in the store lol.

Not a bad first goal (watch in HD): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVU8s0j3Dso

That had a touch of a couple of former Juve number tens about it.

Not to bring this off topic but the rolling the ball on the turf move is Beckham's favourite move (you could also argue it's his only move).

In terms of best pre-season goal though it is way behind Michael Owen's volley the other day, that was absolutely breathtaking.

Beckham used to do one, if he tried three and a left foot shot like that he would probably give himself a hernia.

Diego: “We can win everything”



Diego has spoken of the joy he felt after scoring his first goal for Juventus and the belief within the squad ahead of this season.

The 24-year-old joined Juventus from Werder Bremen earlier this summer and made his debut on Tuesday night against Seongnam.

He didn't wait long to make his impact felt, pulling off two step-overs in the box before getting his shot away to score his first goal for the Bianconeri.

“I dreamed that my first goal here would be a special one just like this. I hope it is the first of many, but meanwhile I am enjoying the satisfaction of my debut,” Diego said.

“It all went perfectly. I haven't played for two months. We won and I scored. It couldn't have gone better.”

Asked if a decision had been made as to who would take the free kicks for Juventus, Diego replied: “I didn't come to Juve to compete with Del Piero, who is one of the best in the world and deserves respect, especially in this team.

“I am here to do my job, to have my space and to win.”

The former Santos youngster was also pleased with the way he linked up with Juventus' strikers.

“They are four players of the highest level. I have to get to know them and study the movements they make in order to find out how they prefer to have the ball, but with people like them everything will be easy,” Diego explained.

The Brazil international then took the chance to reject claims suggesting Ciro Ferrara has changed the system for him.

“No, Ciro understood the way I play. I do the same things I did at Werder and against Seongnam I found myself very well as a trequartista.

“For me, this system is ideal. My team-mates are intelligent and everyone has tried it at least once in their careers. It will not be a problem. It's a little change, but more offensive.

“Our style of play is very important, but even more important will be the integration with Italian football and Italian life. We are not here to play the Brazilian way. We are here to play for Juve.”

Finally Diego outlined his objectives for next season.

“For a team like Juventus it is impossible to limit yourself just to participating. With the players that we have, and the amount of money we have invested this year, we have to win.

“This is the mentality that I have found in my new team-mates. We have a good level of competition in the squad. We know that the Champions League is a difficult objective, but we are convinced that it's within our reach.”

http://www.football-italia.net/jul30a.html

Diego a proud Bianconero



New Juventus star Diego is delighted with his start to the season and has claimed that the Bianconeri can go far this season.

The Brazilian didn’t expect all the enthusiasm and excitement around him and is incredibly happy to be in Turin.

“The truth is that I didn’t have a clue things were going to be like this, all the hype around me,” he told Spanish magazine Don Balon.

“I have to admit this is really exciting but now I have to pay them back on the pitch. I hope that with good football and goals the fans will be satisfied.

“Being part of this club is an honour and a dream come true. I am proud of this and I hope we will do great things. Our squad is quality and I am optimistic.

“There is no doubt that with Felipe Melo and I this team has improved a lot but even without us the squad is really good. Felipe and I are players who combine fantasy with our winning mentality.

“Playing alongside Alex Del Piero is great. He is an excellent footballer and I am sure we will get on well together on the pitch.

“The club spent a lot this summer so it’s understandable that they expect great things. Personally I am very ambitious and wouldn’t settle just for the title and the Coppa Italia. I want to achieve great success here and I want to be important in the Champions League too,” concluded Diego.

http://www.football-italia.net/sep7p.html

Diego seemed ok after the game, walking about and not in any visible discomfort, but the prognosis seems to be about 15 days rest for him, or he would miss Bordeaux and Livorno.

Juve receive Diego boost

There is good news for Juventus fans after it was announced that Diego will only be sidelined for seven days – rather than the 15 originally predicted.

The Brazilian limped out of the club’s 2-0 win at Lazio on Sunday with injury and it was feared that he would miss four games.

However, the Turin giants have this afternoon released a statement which has eased anxiety amongst the Bianconeri faithful.

“This morning Diego underwent magnetic resonance tests under Professor Faletti at the CTO of Turin,” read an official note.

“The tests did not show any muscular lesion to the right thigh but a simple semi-membranous muscle strain which entails seven days of recovery time.”

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7 days then, so Bordeaux and Livorno.

'I want to write history at Juve'



After three seasons thrilling Werder Bremen fans Brazilian playmaker Diego joined Juventus in the summer and has picked up where he left off at the Stadio Olimpico. The 24-year-old scored twice in victory at AS Roma and has been drawing favourable comparisons with some illustrious Bianconeri names of the past. Diego is ruled out of side's UEFA Champions League opener against FC Girondins de Bordeaux but, in a wide-ranging Q&A with uefa.com readers, insists he is looking to the future: "I would like to write my own history at Juventus."

What do you think about Juventus's Champions League group?
Peter Randazzo, 16, Partanna, Sicily

Diego: We're going to face some good teams, and for me there will be a special challenge: Juventus will play Bayern München so I will be going back to Germany to play against an old rival. I know that game – and the others – will be hard, but I believe we are going to do well and go far in this competition.

How will it feel to face Bayern in the Champions League?
Sambid Adhikari

Diego: They have a very good team and for me they are going to represent a special challenge. It will be nice to face my old rivals. I respect Bayern as a great team, but I am going to go there to win.

Are Juve strong enough to do well in both Serie A and the Champions League? Can we win one or maybe both of them?
Ádám Hámori, Juventus fan from Hungary

Diego: We are going to do a good job – the team is strong and motivated and those skills are important if we're going to compete in and win both of the competitions. But we are focusing on one game at a time.

What are your impressions of Juve coach Ciro Ferrara?
Gianluca, 33, Venice, Italy

Diego: He's a very talented coach and knows how to extract the best from each player. He really welcomed me at Juve and has made me feel comfortable on the pitch since my first training session at the club. I admire him and I'm learning a lot.

You've recently been mentioned alongside some Juventus greats such as Platini, Baggio and Zidane. Which one of those players is your favourite and which would you most like to emulate?
Ali, 20, Trinidad

Diego: I've always admired these players and I feel happy and proud about these comments. I cannot single out a favourite: all have somehow inspired me and helped me develop as a player. But I would like to write my own history at Juventus.

How is the style of football in Italy different from the Bundesliga and what adjustments have you had to make to your game?
Vashish Sohodeb, 14, United Kingdom

Diego: The biggest difference is the team's organisation. Here, defences are tighter and teams usually play more defensively. In Italy you have to be more creative to break down the defensive systems.

Do you feel under pressure to fill the boots of club legend Pavel Nedvěd?
John Kerr, 17, Glasgow, Scotland

Diego: I don't feel under pressure. I've always really admired Juventus and since I was a child I've followed the Italian championship. Now I am a part of this championship, wearing Juve's shirt. It is a childhood dream that is reality now. I only hope I can help the team as much as Pavel did.

Who is your best friend at Juventus?
Theodore Kokkoris, 9, Mytilene, Greece

Diego: At first, I was closest to the Brazilian players. That's natural because of the common culture and language. Now, I am getting to know all the players better and they are becoming good friends too.

Italy is a great country. What do you like the most about it?
Etuna Machavariani, 16, Georgia

Diego: I am feeling extremely happy and motivated here. I am doing a good job for Juventus and the supporters are giving me much more back. Plus I now I feel I have connected with the other players and I am starting to really feel at home. As far as the lifestyle goes, I like the weather and the Italian character – people here are friendly and open.

Do you enjoy playing football in different countries, adapting to a different styles and cultures?
Craig Hodel, 22, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Diego: Every time you move to a new country it's a challenge and it is an extra motivation for me. I like to meet people and learn more about different cultures and football gives me this chance. We usually travel to play around the world, in international competitions and also we have the chance to meet players from all continents.

What do you miss about Bremen and Germany?
Clemens Christ, 19, Offenau, Germany

Diego: I'm trying not to think about things I will miss. Bremen is a nice place, Werder are a great team and I made good friends and had a great time there. Those people will always be my friends – it doesn't matter that we can't meet up all the time the way we used to. Your feelings don't change. I feel the same about Werder's supporters. But I'm building a new life and it's a new time in my professional career. I'm happy in Turin. The tifosi are enthusiastic, and I'm playing for the team I used to dream about when I was a child.

When you played for Bremen I really liked your celebrations where you fly kick the corner flag. What is the reason for that celebration?
Atif Hussain, 27, Thornton Heath, England

Diego: It's hard to say. The moment when you score is always an explosion of feelings and I just celebrate it!

How many hours a day did you train when you were younger?
Papa Amoah

Diego: I've loved playing football since I was very young. Back then, sometimes I was practising but other times, I was just playing just for fun. I used to play with a football for three or four hours every day. I always loved playing and I took it seriously. I became a professional at 16 and I won a Brazilian Championship at 17.

What skill do you most need to improve?
Paolo, Turin, Italy

Diego: I always would like to do better in general. For a good player it is not enough to be good at just one skill.

Different players have different ways of handling butterflies in your stomach prior to entering the pitch. You seem to handle pressure well. What routine or methods do you have for controlling stress and using it in your favor?
Angelo Salonitis, Athens, Greece

Diego: I love playing football and I am doing what I love. It takes the edge off the pressure. But I try to relax and don't think too much about the game so that I sleep well the night before. That helps.

http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl...id=885844.html

Ferrara: Diego doesn't do what I say

Juventus boss Ciro Ferrara claims the Bianconeri's big summer signing, Brazilian star Diego, doesn't always follow his orders on the pitch.

Diego joined Juventus from Werder Bremen in a £25m transfer, but after a bright start his performances have failed to live up to expectations.

Some pundits have suggested that Ferrara's apparent inability to settle on a formation has caused Diego confusion and that the 24-year-old has yet to find his best position in the side.

Juventus slumped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Cagliari yesterday, allowing Inter, who beat Fiorentina 1-0 at San Siro, to move eight points clear at the top of Serie A.

“He has the desire to play many balls as a characteristic and so he often retreats, tracking back to get them,” Ferrara said after the game.

“But he also has to work on the aspects asked of him by the trainer. I am sure that he will improve.

“Above all in the first half I encouraged Diego to try and find more penetration. It has not been his problem alone, but also that of Marchisio, for example.

“Diego is a great player. I will continue to spur him on until he gets closer to goal and becomes decisive there,” Ferrara concluded.

http://www.football-italia.net/nov30b.html

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A prime example really of what I was talking about in the Cagliari thread, too many virtuoso performances. I guess we can forgive that Diego as he is the fantasista, but how the hell are we going to score when he is playing in central midfield and there are 30 yards between him and Amauri? Another tactical reshuffle on the cards perhaps, it's nearly December and we still haven't found a system.

The funny thing is, Diego was complaining about having to play deeper in the system a few weeks ago lol.

ReMad: http://www.d1g.com/video/space/sports/show/?id=3640707 As we used to say as kids, 'get up!'

I think we have seen his character and quality shine through even with all our troubles, he could be a superstar in a good team, which we had hoped we might be this year.

Diego blames Italian turf

Diego is confident he can do better in his second season at Juventus, but claims his progress is hindered by the poor Italian pitches.

“I am the first to say I’m not satisfied with my performance,” confessed the Brazilian to Tuttosport.

“I arrived at a top club like Juve and did not expect such a bad campaign. We had quite a few problems, including the Stadio Olimpico turf...

“In Italy I have encountered the worst pitches of my career. There are some lovely atmospheric stadiums, but what matters to a player is the field and they are terrible.

“The Olimpico pitch is irregular and very hard, so for someone who plays one or two-touch football it is a real problem.

“The only pitches that I’d approve of are in Rome and Genoa.”

The Bianconeri are struggling to even qualify for the Europa League, as a top four finish seems to have sailed away.

“Juventus are a Champions League squad and these players should always be in the premier competition, but the Europa League remains an important tournament. When I step on to the field I want to win and that is all.”

Andrea Agnelli has been named the new President, while Rafa Benitez is expected to take over from Alberto Zaccheroni.

“I think I am in a very strong side and with a few signings it’ll become even better. I don’t want to forget that the objective for next season is the Scudetto,” continued Diego.

“I don’t want to talk about Benitez or anyone else who is not already at the club, also out of respect for the current Coach.”

----------------------------

Pitches are a problem, but that isn't going to change much. The biggest issue with him has been fitness and his role tactically.

Marotta: 'Diego doesn't fit at Juve'

Juventus are ready to sell Diego because “he does not fit into Gigi Del Neri’s 4-4-2,” confirmed director general Beppe Marotta.

There had been question marks over the Brazilian after a poor debut season in Serie A, especially as the trequartista has struggled to find his tactical place.

“There are offers for Diego,” Marotta told Tuttosport. “Del Neri’s tactical requirements have the priority and I don’t think the Brazilian fits into the 4-4-2.

“Faced with an impressive offer, I believe we could sell him. Watch out for some of the other names in the papers, as there could be a few surprises coming to Juve.

“However, Gianluigi Buffon and Alessandro Del Piero are not for sale. They are symbols of the club and essential reference points for the younger players.”

The Bianconeri must go through the preliminary round to reach the Europa League after only finishing in seventh place.

“When you are at Juventus, it is your duty to never settle,” insisted Marotta. “We will build a Scudetto-winning side, or at least will try to.

“I consider Inter to be a step above the rest, even without Jose Mourinho. They are the number one club in Europe and got there step by step, building the foundations over the years. It proved to be a winning formula.”

Football Italia

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Unless he is replaced by an equally big name then the fans will be pissed.

I only bought his shirt last summer as well Oh well, maybe it'll be a collectors item one day

We must not sell for less than we bought him for, maybe there is some truth to that Aguero deal! *hopes*

Spanish league would suit him well imho

He would do ok here in the right formation with players that suit it, but it looks like Juve are going to be more compact and hardworking, with some elements of class.

It all depends if Inter or Chelsea seriously want him, because they are the only two sides who can afford him who he would join over us. Madrid and Barca are not in for him, nor Bayern. He wouldn't go to Man City. Remember, he might be a very good player but he isn't playing for a massive side. Atletico Madrid to Juve is still a step up, 1 bad season doesn't erase 103 years of an historic club. Juve have an ace up their sleeves - Atletico want Diego, Tiago and Grosso. But sure, if Chelsea or Inter come calling then he will go to one of them, it's an easier fit.

If Diego is to go then the club simply have to replace him with a striker who is also of a very high level, the only two players who fit into that category who are not already playing at a massive club are Aguero and Dzeko. Dzeko remains the more likely possibility, but again, if Man City come in with €40m bids then Juve aren't going to go into an auction with them as that is half our starting budget on one player.

It's a joke really how there isn't room for a player like Diego. If Lionel Messi was a Juventus player would we sell him because he couldn't play in the strict 4-4-2 too? Ridiculous.

To think Diego can't fit in your club is pretty laughable. He's a great player when he's on his game but I guess there were also factors in play that prevented that to come out.

Gotta blame someone for the season

Yeah Diego is getting the blame, that's why Juve have changed the entire backroom staff: president, sporting director, head coach, assistants, physios, trainers and half of the players......

Juve needs an overall change,Diego too,but I think Diego should play another season,at least until January

He should definitely get another chance. If anyone should be sacrificed it is Melo, that guy has a screw loose.

Melo would fit in Inter

Please don't tell me the rumors are true

Seems like media bs to me, they are just making up figures.

Report: Diego to Wolfsburg deal

The German media insist Juventus have accepted a €16m offer to sell Diego to Wolfsburg.

The Bianconeri are thought to be in intensive negotiations with the Bundesliga side over their Brazilian talent.

At first the clubs were hoping to engage a swap deal to bring hitman Edin Dzeko to Turin, but Wolfsburg maintain he is not for sale.

Newspaper ‘Bild’ claims that a meeting between director general Dieter Hoeness and his Juve counterpart Beppe Marotta proved decisive.

It is suggested that Juve have already accepted a €16m offer for Diego and that now they are discussing personal terms.

The former Werder Bremen star is asking for around €7m per season, but this is likely to be lowered in talks.

If Wolfsburg baulk at these terms, then it is reported Schalke 04 could intercept with their own bid.

Juventus must sell before they can buy and are lining up a €22m proposal for Olympique Lyonnais full-back Michel Bastos.

--------------------

Bild have been full of shit with their stories all summer, so I'll believe it when I see it, they are just following the Tuttosport (lol) story that made it onto illuminaries like tribalfootball and goal.com, plus Yahoo which seems to just copy and paste goal.com these days. €16m is just far too low, we paid €25m for him and just bought Martinez for €12m FFS. If we are going to sell our better players to teams like Wolfsburg we might as well give up. If Delneri sees him as a tactical problem then fair enough, but only if he replaces Diego with quality wingers. There is talk of Krasic and Bastos, or Krasic and Elia. None of those players have the ability Diego does, but maybe they could be more useful. If we sell Diego and don't sign anyone, then it's a joke.

It's a fact that we have been talking to Wolfsburg, clearly we must have offered Diego as part of the Dzeko offer, they rejected and saw that we may part with him and made an offer, enticed. Hopefully it ends up with us just taking Barzagli as the 4th defender, this deal is horrible.

Delneri and Marotta have both basically said that if they believe they can get the players they want to replace him (good wingers), they could sell Diego, even though he has qualities that no one else at the club has. Fuck.

Seems a bit ridiculous

I just don't get why they'd want to get rid of a talented player like him.

Delneri is obsessed with wingers, even though he clearly said that Diego will play SS, it doesn't make sense. Secco took 3 seasons to bring a player as good as Diego (who I believe has the ability to be up there with the best) to the club, and then after one season and a change the club would rather bring Krasic, Elia, Bastos etc.

It was the wrong season for Diego to be in Juventus

It's a pity we are selling Diego... Please!!!! We have enough wingers and "workers"...

Report: Diego has German medical

Diego is reportedly already in Germany for his medical with Wolfsburg, giving Juventus €15m plus bonuses.

According to German newspaper Bild, the Brazilian was spotted arriving late last night and will have medical tests with his proposed new club this morning.

The report even goes so far to suggest that Diego could be having his first training session with Wolfsburg this afternoon.

The two clubs agreed a deal worth €15m plus a further €2m in bonuses if Wolfsburg qualify for the Champions League.

It is a distinct loss for Juve, who paid €25m to prise him from Werder Bremen only 12 months ago.

Diego would put pen to paper on a four-year contract worth €6m net per season.

Football Italia

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Bild are a trash paper, but it looks more likely he will go now after what Delneri and Melo said.

CIAO DIEGO....

Marotta better pray that we finish top 3 next year.

€17m + €2m bonus, looks like he may be off......

Wolfsburg: 'Diego is our player'

Wolfsburg director Dieter Hoeness has announced that Juventus man “Diego can consider himself one of our players.”

The negotiations sped up rapidly over the last couple of days after initially collapsing and the Brazilian underwent his medical this morning.

“Diego can consider himself one of our players,” said general manager Hoeness.

“We are well on the way to completing the deal, but the formalities are still missing.”

Coach Steve McClaren also commented on the imminent arrival of Diego.

“I will be happy to train him. He could make his debut this weekend against Mainz.”

It’s reported Juventus will receive €15 or €16m plus another €2m if Wolfsburg qualify for the Champions League.

Diego is set to sign a four-year contract worth €6m per season.

--------------------------------

I'm pretty sure he will do great again in Germany, but then maybe Wolfsburg is about his level. When he first came I thought he was an immense talent, but we found out later that he has tactical limitations. Add in some clueless coaches and he only had an average season. Sometimes ability isn't enough, Diego has to prove himself all over again, he still hasn't made it at the top level. It's a shame. I'm sure he and Dzeko will destroy the Bundesliga, which brings me to Dzeko - hopefully our board got an option on him for next season, at least to sweeten Wolfsburg.

Well, he looked great in the Bundesliga, but is it really of an equal level to Serie A? It's one thing to play two games in the CL or Europa League, a full season is another altogether. He has great skill but he often tried to do too much on his own, he seemed to have a lot of trouble adjusting to the different style of play on Serie A. This is a good move only if it results in the arrival of Rossi or someone with similar qualities.

It's more open and personally I don't think it is the same level, but the UEFA co-efficients say that Germany is the third strongest league now, so I suppose people will take what they want from that.

Official, gone. €15.5m plus add ons. I'm hoping for an option on Dzeko too, but that will never be disclosed.

Juve announce a €5.8m loss on the player.

Ciao Die-go, have fun in Germany.

*sigh*

Well, there he goes... I'm quite unsatisfied with, essentially, a Diego for Quagliarella swap. Quagliarella scores great goals but doesn't have the qualities of a real trequartista.