Tiago’s agent dismisses Juventus exit talk

“Patience” called for as midfielder adapts to new club

The agent of Portuguese midfielder, Tiago, has dismissed speculation that his client will leave Juventus just months after moving to Italy.

Tiago moved to Turin from Lyon during the summer as Juve’s most expensive recruit following their promotion back to Serie A. However, the switch has so far proved a disaster, with the 26-year-old now well out of favour under manager Claudio Ranieri.

The situation has led to regular press reports that Tiago would be sold in January, with a swap deal with Benfica’s Luisao rumoured in recent days, but Fiorangelo Calima says the player will be staying put.

“I think Tiago will stay at Juventus,” said Calima. “An important investment was made for him and there must be a little more patience.

“There can be no doubts over his quality and ability. It’s also not true that his style doesn’t adapt to the Italian game. He’s played many games for Benfica, Lyon and Portugal. He is someone who can play in all of the important Leagues without problems.

“It is only normal for a player to acclimatise to new surroundings and Italian football has its peculiarities. There are champions who adapt immediately and some who struggle a bit more.

“I think that Tiago’s main problem is a fitness one. Training over here in Italy is much tougher and intense than elsewhere. He wasn’t used to it.”

Tiago’s downturn in fortunes has led to him losing his place in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Portugal squad, with the midfielder reduced to playing in Juve’s friendly match with BSC Young Boys during the international break.


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