Fabio Capello Reveals How He Came Close To Signing Lionel Messi At Juventus

Former Juventus, AS Roma and AC Milan boss Fabio Capello has narrated how he came close to signing Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

Fabio Capello talked about Lionel Messi in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.

According to him, he came close to signing Messi while he was the Juventus manager.

The ex-England national team manager said that Messi came to his attention during the Joan Gamper Trophy some 15 years ago.

He said Lionel Messi was 16 when he caught his attention during the Joan Gamper friendly between Barcelona and Italian champions Juventus.

Fabio Capello said that he asked then Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard about signing Messi on loan.

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Frank Rijkaard told him that he will look for a way to play Messi in his response to his request of loaning the player to him at Juventus.

Fabio Capello was the Juventus manager for two years from 2004 to 2006 before he left for Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi has gone on to do great things at Barcelona.

He has won four Champions League titles at Barcelona where the Argentine international is currently the Club skipper.

In addition, Lionel Messi has won a record six FIFA Best Player of the Year Award with the latest one coming at the award ceremony at the end of last month.