BUFFON : WELCOME BACK CANNA

Gianluigi Buffon for one would welcome the “very useful” addition of Fabio Cannavaro to the Juventus squad.

There are reports in Spain and Italy today that the 36-year-old Real Madrid defender has agreed a return to the club he represented from 2004 to 2006, winning two Scudetti that were revoked in the Calciopoli scandal.

His contract expires at the end of the season, so the Italy captain and 2006 Ballon d'Or winner would be a free agent.

“Someone with his experience would be very useful for any team,” Buffon told Sky Italia when asked about the possibility of Cannavaro's move.

“Clearly he cannot be part of the long-term plan considering his age, but in the short-term he can be very important.

“Of course I am biased, as we've been friends for decades!”

Buffon played alongside Cannavaro for Italy, Juventus and before that Parma.

Unlike the defender, Buffon opted to remain at Juve after the Calciopoli scandal and the demotion to Serie B.

It is because of this decision to walk away that some fans are not entirely content with the idea of a comeback.
Cannavaro 'agrees Juve return'

There are shock reports that Fabio Cannavaro is set to return to Juventus at the end of the season.

The Real Madrid defender's contract is up in June and he is unlikely to renew it in La Liga, while he has shown some interest in a Premier League experience.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Cannavaro has already agreed a transfer to Turin, where he played from 2004 to 2006.

He left in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal and 2006 World Cup victory, winning the Ballon d'Or later that year.

The 36-year-old has had a mixed time at Real Madrid, but will be a free agent come the end of the season.

However, the news has not exactly generated enthusiasm among the Juventus faithful, as several forums are full of comments regarding his age, form and decision to leave.

Many have not forgiven Canna for walking out when the club was demoted to Serie B and have urged “an apology” before he returns.

Other World Cup winners such as Gigi Buffon and Alessandro Del Piero opted to remain in Turin.