Juve move for Manninger

Juventus on Tuesday completed the signing of former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger on a four-year deal.

The 31-year-old played for Siena last season and is relishing the opportunity to join up with one of Serie A’s big guns.

He told the official club website, www.juventus.com: “I’m very happy to be at Juve and this is not just something hackneyed to say, I really mean it. Football matters here.

“I have played for a lot of smaller teams, but years ago I played for Arsenal and I’ve always wanted to play for a big team again.”

Manninger will act as understudy to Italy number one Gianluigi Buffon but insists he will be ready if called upon by coach Claudio Ranieri.

He added: “We all know how good Gigi is and his role in this team.

“It’s true only one keeper can play at a time, but it’s also true that in today’s football a squad needs at least 25 players.

“One keeper isn’t enough. Indeed there are three of us at Juve and I’m ready to lend a hand if needed.”