Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic has confirmed the club want to sign Italy’s World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro.
Cannavaro collected his 100th cap for Italy on Sunday as he led his country to World Cup final success over France.
With his current club Juventus facing relegation from Serie A for their role in Italy’s match-fixing scandal, the defender is expected to leave, and although he turns 33 in September, there will be no shortage of clubs interested in signing him.
“I have said that age is secondary in modern football,” Mijatovic told As.
“I value that in these past two years, Cannavaro has been decisive in Juve winning two scudettos and Italy conquering the World Cup.
“If you watched his contribution in these last two seasons, you would want him here until he is 40-years-old.
“His philosophy, his attitude and his desire turn him into a unique defender. We are going to do all that is possible to have him with us.”
Cannavaro’s Juventus colleagues Gianluca Zambrotta (29) and Emerson (30) are also wanted by Real.
He added: “What is it to be a veteran? There are players of 24 who do not know how to compete.
“I prefer a 30-year-old player who can be with us for two years and make us great. Madrid cannot waste time, unfortunately.
“This is the experienced philosophy at this moment. After three bad years without winning anything, it is necessary to build a team to win immediately, without any more delays.”
Mijatovic admits that Real will be unable to sign the Juventus trio at knockdown prices.
“It is not that simple,” he added. “They have a clause which forces us to compensate Juventus.
“The advantage is that all of them want to come to Madrid and that facilitates everything, but they will not be loans.
“We only love players to be our property, as has marked our history.”
Real are also hoping to sign Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea winger Arjen Robben and Milan playmaker Kaka.
“It is clear that we are fighting to bring in all ,” continued Mijatovic. “As of Thursday, I am going away to meet with the respective clubs to demonstrate to our partners we are people of our word, which has already been clear with (Fabio) Capello.
“It is clear that (signing Kaka – with Milan complaining about Real’s tactics) it is not easy, but of course it is a possibility.
“I will speak with Milan, without a doubt, and it is clear that it is possible to sign Kaka.
“We will respect the norms of Fifa. I never surrender in football. In addition, there is no haste. The summer will be long and the players are now on holiday.”
