Marotta rules out Drogba purchase

Beppe Marotta has dismissed suggestions that Juventus are ready to sign Didier Drogba once the transfer window reopens in January.

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The Cote d'Ivoire international only joined Shanghai Shenhua in the summer after he opted to call time on his eight-year spell at Chelsea, but he has been linked with a move to Turin following the Italian champions' struggles to find a consistent goalscorer.

However, speaking prior to Juventus' Serie A clash with Cagliari on Friday, the general manager explained that Drogba's imminent participation in the African Cup of Nations and Giorgio Chiellini's injury have forced the Bianconeri to change their plans in the market.

"Drogba? I don't know who has come up with this idea, but we have not had any contact, partly because he will play at the Africa Cup of Nations and be unavailable for an extended period," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

"Due to the sale of Lucio and Chiellini's injury, we are looking for a defensive player. Regarding the attack, we are vigilant because there is also the Champions League.

"But you must have respect for this group [of players]. We are the team that have scored the highest number of goals in the box."

Marotta also reflected on the Lega Calcio's decision to move the match against the Sardinians to the Tardini in Emilia-Romagna and insisted that his side had no choice but to follow the governing body's orders.

"We had to adjust ourselves to the Lega Calcio's decision [to move the venue]," he added. "It is an inconvenience for us and our fans who have had to pay for tickets, but they will be refunded.

"It's no good to see a game like this with only 3,000 spectators."

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