Matuidi was desperate for Juventus move, claims Sissoko

Moussa Sissoko says Blaise Matuidi had his heart set on a new challenge at Juventus, even during France's Euro 2016 campaign. 

Sissoko had himself pushed for a move away from Newcastle United but, despite being linked with Juve, PSG and briefly Real Madrid, he only secured a late switch to Tottenham on deadline day. 

"At Clairefontaine [France's training centre], I was often with him in the room. I could see that he wanted to leave and certainly wanted a new challenge," he said, speaking after Spurs' 2-1 Champions League defeat to Monaco. 

"Juventus were interested in him, it was something exciting for him. But, unfortunately, PSG were against his departure. I can understand that. 

"Blaise is an amazing player who has contributed a lot to PSG and the France national team. I know what it's like when you want to leave a club, because I was in the same situation - I wanted to leave. 

"I felt the same as he was feeling. We supported each other."