Juventus close in on Diego

(GETTY IMAGES)

Werder Bremen's Brazilian playmaker Diego has yet again confirmed that he would like the chance to join Juventus this summer, with a deal reported to be close at hand.

The 24-year-old helped Bremen reached the Uefa Cup Final last week, putting aside constant talk about his future, with Juve having tracked the South American over the last year.

However, Diego was quick to make his feelings known once again, telling Tuttosport: "The club has the power to decide, but I can also decide what is best for my career.

"Juventus are a great side and I have always said this. They are the most popular team in Brazil and they have been after me since I was at Santos.

"I admire Serie A, it's the league I favour the most."

Meanwhile, Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes the club is back on track after their 1-1 draw with AC Milan at the San Siro.

Buffon had expressed concerns about the club’s long-term future after the previous game against Lecce, but is now confident a third-placed spot can be cemented this term and is also more optimistic about the long-term future.

He said: “We have finally proved that we can be a compact team, so to take a point away from Milan is very pleasing.

“We were very convincing, more so than in other matches. It seems that things are back on track for us now.

“I must admit that I did have fears about the club and the future. My fear is not about winning next year, but it is about not winning in the three years ahead.

“We should get Fabio Cannavaro and hopefully Diego as well, both of whom are great players and will make a difference.”

However, AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was unhappy with his veteran striker Filippo Inzaghi after the game.

The result keeps Milan on course to finish second in Serie A behind city rivals Internazionale, but Ancelotti said after the draw: “Despite our recent good form, Juve were able to close us down and play a great game.

“But we were very patient and made the most of the opportunities we had.

“All we are missing now are three more points to secure our place in the top three, something that we will hope to achieve next weekend in Udine.

“I was disappointed with Inzaghi though. I did not like it when he did not come to greet the player entering the pitch, which was Ronaldinho.”