Werder Bremen midfielder Diego is set to join Juventus next season for 24.5 million euros.
The 24-year old is part of an overall rebuilding plan that the Italian giants are about to embark on as many of their top stars are coming to the end of their playing careers. Diego has been bought to replace the retiring Nedved but they will be very big boots to fill.
Administrative delegator Jean Claude Blanc said the Brazilian was an important part of that process.
“Due to his technical characteristics Diego is a fundamental part of the rebuilding of our team,” he said.
“We’ve always said that we want to build a team of young players and talented ones and Diego excudes both qualities.
“Despite his age of 24 years he’s a player of great experience with having already played at the highest level for seven years.”
Diego started his career at Pele’s old club Santos where as a teenager he formed a formidable attacking partnership with Robinho, now of Manchester City.
He moved to then Champions Legaue holders Porto in 2004 as a replacement for the Barcelona-bound Deco.
However, his Porto experience soon turned sour as he found himself out of favour with Dutch coach Co Ariaanse and he signed for Bremen two years later for six million euros.
He won league titles with Santos in 2002 and Porto in 2006 as well as two Copa America titles with Brazil in 2004 and 2007.
