I want to stay, insists Juventus playmaker Diego

Brazilian playmaker Diego Ribas da Cunha has underlined his commitment to Juventus.

In an interview with Sky Italia the 25-year-old said: “I want to stay at Juventus, and if I am here it is because the club shares my same thought.”

There has been a steady stream of rumours linking the Brazilian with a move away from Turin, but the former Werder Bremen star quashed the false stories.

“Does the news of negotiations that involve me bother me? Yes, especially when you write lies,” he said.

There has been debate in Italy over whether Diego will be able to build a playing partnership with Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero.

Earlier this week, newly-appointed manager Luigi Delneri suggested that the pair were in direct competition for a place in his starting eleven, but the player disagrees.

“We can play together,” he said. “He (Del Piero) is a great player and person”.

The midfielder, who cost Juventus €24.5 million, did not make Brazil’s World Cup squad, but believes that consistent club form will prove the catalyst for selection in the national side.

“I think I can find a place but it is time to think about Juventus,” added the Brazilian, who has 33 caps.

“The National team will be a consequence of return to club form.”