Marchisio pledges to stay at Juventus

Claudio Marchisio of Juventus celebrates the opening goal during the Serie A match against Torino FC on December 1, 2012 (Getty Images)

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has pledged to stay with his boyhood club, despite reported interest from other clubs this summer, with English champions Manchester United notable amongst them.

“I’ve been playing for Juventus for 20 years and every summer for the last seven (years) my name has been mentioned in the transfer market,” Marchisio told Tuttosport.

“Obviously I’m not denying that it is nice to see my name linked with other clubs, some of the most important and renowned in the world. It means that I am working well, that I have admirers. It is something to be proud of, but I haven’t spoken to anyone and I’m not aware of any concrete offers.”

The 27-year old midfielder went on to add: “You never know what will happen and I wouldn’t be the first player to leave a club he grew up in, but my desire is to stay and keep winning with Juve.”

Marchisio primarily plays in a 3-man midfield with the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, but was also employed in a slightly more forward position, behind the striker last term in a couple of games by coach Antonio Conte.

The emergence of Paul Pogba as a dynamic midfield force has also cast some doubt on Marchisio’s place in the squad, but the Italian international remains confident that he can contribute to the team in a good way.

“The new arrivals are more than welcome, as is the competition for places,” Marchisio continued.

“Conte knows what I can offer, even in another role, and he knows that I am at his disposal.”