I stumbled across this story when catching up on all the latest football news and thought i would highlight here not because it is one of the biggest transfer stories on this last day of the transfer window, but rather because of its almost near obscurity.
Frankly, speaking , i thought Toni had retired from the game so imagine my shock when i read that he had actually been with Juventus all this time. Many remember Toni for the phenomenal time he had with Serie A club Fiorentina.
In his two year stint with La Viola, Toni built up a reputation as one of Europe’s most lethal strikers. He scored 47 goals in 67 appearances for Fiorentina improving on his previous equally amazing record of 50 goals in 80 appearances for Palermo.
However, after a successful 3 year stint with German champions Bayern Munich that ended in 2010, the 34 year old has seen his form dip considerably. Subsequent one year deals with Roma, Genoa and Juventus have failed to see Toni realise his old form leading him to part ways with the Bianconeri.
It is obvious that Toni’s move to the United Arab Emirates is one that is expected to increase the leagues profiles. I mean having only scored 2 goals in 15 appearances for Juventus last year, Al Nasr would be naive to think that his acquisition would immediately result in an avalanche of trophies filling up their trophy cabinet. That said, i think it is a great way for Toni to exist the game.
A statement from Juventus read:
“Luca Toni’s career will continue in the United Arab Emirates. Juventus has reached an agreement with Al Nasr to transfer the striker permanently.”
So Toni joins former Bayern Team mate Ze Roberto who plays for Al-Gharafa and Ghanaian Asamoah Gyan who is on loan with Al Ain as some of the top class players to join the Pro League.
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