Juventus confirm Matuidi departure as midfielder nears Inter Miami switch

Juventus have confirmed the departure of Blaise Matuidi, with the France midfielder set to move to MLS and sign with David Beckham’s Inter Miami.

Goal reported on August 10 that Matuidi had reached an agreement with Juve, allowing him to leave for free despite having a contract until 2021.

Matuidi spent three seasons in Serie A after joining from Paris Saint-Germain, winning the Italian title each year and proving an important part of the Juventus squad throughout his time at the club.

In all, he made 133 appearances for Juve, also winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana – as well as lifting the World Cup with France in 2018.

During his time at the club, Paulo Dybala was the only player to make more appearances for Juventus.

That underlines his status at the club, and perhaps gives an indication of the level Miami will be expecting from him.

While Matuidi turned 33 in April, he made 45 appearances for Juve in 2019-20 and the MLS side will be hoping to have signed a midfielder still near the top of his game.

Head coach Diego Alonso will no doubt be eager to integrate him into his squad as soon as possible, with Miami having lost all six of their games so far.

They have suffered five defeats in the regular MLS season and the MLS is Back tournament, all by a single goal.

Juventus wished Matuidi a fond farewell in their official statement, which read: “It was, above all, his substance in the midfield that made the difference, and which made him a player much loved by the Juventus fans: for his determination, for his grit and for his ability to never give up.

“And it is because of all these characteristics, and for the great commitment he has always put in place with us, that we thank him.

“Blaise is someone who will always be in our hearts and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Previous to his time at Juventus, Matuidi had spent his entire career in France with PSG, Saint-Etienne and Troyes.