Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 9y

Arturo Vidal takes to Twitter to dismiss reports of Juventus rift

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has posted a statement on Twitter, rubbishing reports suggesting a falling-out between him and the club.

Vidal was left out of the team for Juve's 1-1 draw with Sassuolo at the weekend as the Turin outfit prepare to take on Olympiakos in the Champions League on Tuesday.

He was also left out of the XI that beat Roma a fortnight ago, with the reason given being that coach Massimiliano Allegri said he felt Andrea Pirlo was the right player for that game.

However, two days beforehand, Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Vidal had been involved in an altercation in Turin, and speculation suggested his days at the club could be numbered.

But the 27-year-old wrote on Twitter: "In view of the 'information' published by the mass media in recent days, I would like to clarify a few things.

"My relationship with everybody at Juve is very good. My teammates, the coaching staff and the club have faith in me, and I in them.

"The club have never fined me. Reports on this subject are incorrect and, in many cases, ill-intentioned."

And speaking about his recent injury problems, he added: "My knee is very good. With work and effort, I will get back to my best physical form after undergoing an operation and not being able to participate in preseason like my teammates.

"I've put in 100 percent with Juve and with my national team, and I hope to win titles with both this season.

"I hope these words have informed everybody. Certainly those who have bad intentions will continue to spread false stories, but I can't do anything to avoid that."

Vidal was strongly linked with a summer move to Manchester United, but Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri said the Red Devils would be wasting their time if they attempted to sign the Chilean in the trying to sign the Chilean this winter.

"The club have been very clear on Vidal," he said. "This season, Vidal is a Juventus player -- and I think there's no possibility that in January he'll go to Manchester."

Vidal, 27, has started only three Serie A games so far this campaign, featuring twice as a substitute.

However, he is expected to begin the game in Piraeus on Wednesday as the Italian champions look to get their Champions League campaign back on track after losing 1-0 to Atletico Madrid earlier this month.

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