Momo Sissoko: I want to go to Juventus

Jan 10 2008

MOMO SISSOKO claims his two-and-a-half year Anfield career may be set to end with a move to Italy.

The Mali midfielder is reportedly on the brink of joining Juventus, despite late interest from Sissoko’s former club Valencia.

“The negotiations with Juve are close to conclusion,” Sissoko told French radio station RMC.

“I am waiting for news in the coming days and while nothing has been signed yet, I can confirm that there are advanced negotiations between the Bianconeri and my agents.

“Certainly I would be excited to go to Turin. It is a prestigious club, it would be a new challenge and I could demonstrate my quality.”

Sissoko added: “I hope they can find an agreement. I am really happy that a club like Juventus want me. Right now, I want a new challenge.

“The last few months with Liverpool have not gone as I wanted. But this is the nature of football and I now have the chance to go somewhere else and show what I can do.”

Valencia boss Ronald Koeman is trying to persuade Sissoko to return to his former club. Koeman needs a ball-winning midfielder to replace the departing Manuel Fernandes, who is heading for Everton.

Despite Sissoko’s comments the Reds have received no bid for his services.

Zenit St Petersburg boss Dick Advocaat, meanwhile, has bemoaned the imminent exit of defender Martin Skrtel to Anfield.

"Skrtel's departure is a great loss for our club since Martin is a young and talented player who is capable of growing professionally," Advocaat said.

"Speaking about his move to one of the strongest championships in the world, there is no sense in trying to keep Skrtel in St Petersburg."

Liverpool hope Slovakian Skrtel will be in the squad for the trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday.