Soccer: Thuram opts for Juventus move

French defender Lilian Thuram has opted to move to Juventus, according to the club’s official website.

No fee has been confirmed with Parma for the 29-year-old but it believed to be 70bn lire (£22m). It is a deal which would make Thuram the most expensive defender in history.

Thuram, linked with Manchester United and Lazio, said: ‘‘It was very easy to choose. I spoke with my team-mates and other people and asked their advice.

‘‘I had to choose Juventus because they are the best club there is.

‘‘I hope we continue to be the best defence in Italy because if not, everyone will say it’s my fault.

‘‘I am very happy to be here because for me it’s the strongest team in Italy.

‘‘In the five years that I have been in Parma, I’ve tried to make them a strong team but in the end I understand that only the big clubs are going to win everything.

‘‘I chose Juventus because they can help me to satisfy my hunger to win all trophies.’’