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Massimiliano Allegri indicates intention to remain at Juventus

The 50-year-old has reportedly been a target for Arsenal.

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Massimiliano Allegri has given further indication that he intends to stay at Juventus.

The 50-year-old has reportedly been a target for Arsenal, whose manager Arsene Wenger is leaving the club after almost 22 years in charge.

But Allegri, having steered Juve to a seventh consecutive Serie A title, does not appear to be going anywhere.

Massimiliano Allegri has been with Juventus since 2014 (John Walton/PA).
Massimiliano Allegri has been with Juventus since 2014 (John Walton/PA).

“I am happy at Juventus and I have an excellent relationship with the club.”

Allegri, who has been with Juve since 2014, had already said last weekend – after his side sealed the title: “If they don’t fire me, then I think I’m staying at Juventus next year, too.”

Juventus face Hellas Verona on Saturday in their final match of the Serie A season.

The Turin giants also won the Coppa Italia this term, as they have in each season since Allegri took charge.

But they were eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid at the quarter-final stage.

Allegri added on Friday: “Next year will be even more difficult and we need to keep raising our game. It’s in Juve’s DNA to be competitive on all fronts.”

Gianluigi Buffon will play his final game for Juventus this weekend (John Walton/PA)
Gianluigi Buffon will play his final game for Juventus this weekend (John Walton/PA)

The 40-year-old goalkeeper, whose 140-cap Italy career included winning the World Cup in 2006, has played for Juve for 17 years.

Allegri said on Friday: “Tomorrow will be an historic occasion for everyone and for Gianluigi Buffon in particular.

“The most important thing is to celebrate the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and his incredible career.

“If we keep a clean sheet tomorrow, we’ll set the record for the fewest goals conceded in a single Serie A season. That would be an ideal way to end the campaign.”

The game is also set to be midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah’s last with Juve after he announced he will be joining another club.

Juve face a Hellas outfit who are second bottom of the table and have already been relegated.

Fabio Pecchia’s men have lost their last six matches, and nine of their last 10.

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