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it's official:
Report: Cannavaro to join Real Madrid
Fabio Cannavaro
Fabio Cannavaro
Associated Press
7/16/2006 1:30:35 PM
MADRID, Spain (AP) - Italy's World Cup winning captain and Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro has decided to sign for Real Madrid next season, a Spanish newspaper reported on Sunday.
Cannavaro called former Juventus and current Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello and told him that he will play for the Spanish powerhouse, the sports daily AS reported.
The 32-year-old defender, widely considered one of the top players at the World Cup in Germany, has also been targeted by Chelsea and Italian powerhouse AC Milan, according to media reports.
After the reported call, Capello contacted Real chairman Ramon Calderon to confirm that Cannavaro will be in the Santiago Bernabeu next season, AS said without naming a source.
Madrid's sports director Peja Mijatovic said earlier this week that the club was close to signing Cannavaro.
Juventus, Italy's domestic champion for the past two years, has been relegated to Serie B in the country's match-fixing scandal but can appeal. Several of its players are reportedly seeking to move to other clubs.
Real Madrid has not won a trophy in three years despite a glittering lineup that boasts players like Ronaldo and David Beckham.
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