25 June 2007, by Sean Gillen

Tiago completes “dream move” to Juve

Midfielder aiming for fourth consecutive title triumph

Portuguese midfielder Tiago has officially completed his move from Ligue 1 champions Lyon to Italian giants Juventus.

The 26-year-old signed a five-year deal at the Delle Alpi over the weekend, and will cost the Bianconeri around 13m Euros.

“I’m here to win more trophies,” a delighted Tiago told the press after signing the deal. “I’m happy about my choice. Juventus are one of the great European clubs, coming here was a dream for me and I’ve fulfilled it now.”

Tiago has already enjoyed much success since leaving Portugal and Benfica in 2004. After a Premiership title winning season in England with Chelsea, the midfielder went on to win back-to-back Ligue 1 titles while in France.

Juventus will be hoping that Tiago can make it four league titles in a row next season, as the team look to mount a serious challenge in their first campaign back in the top flight. The ‘Old Lady’ spent last season in Serie B after they were relegated as punishment for their part in the 2006 Italian match-fixing scandal.

Tiago is the fourth Portuguese footballer to represent Juventus. Midfielder Rui Barros spent two years with the club from 1988-90, winning the Coppa Italia and the Uefa Cup, while Manuel Dimas was a title winner in Turin in 1998.

Perhaps the most famous of the Portuguese to ply their trade with the Zebras is Paulo Sousa, the midfielder who won both Serie A and the Champions League when turning out for the club in the mid-90s.


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