Juventus star Miralem Pjanic reveals he turned down Tottenham and Arsenal in past
Bosnian ace, nicknamed 'The Pianist', is preparing to face Spurs tomorrow in the last-16 of the Champions League
JUVENTUS star Miralem Pjanic has revealed he has rejected moves to both Tottenham and Arsenal in the past.
The 27-year-old was at Roma when Spurs came calling in 2012 to try and bring him to the Premier League.
But he told the that he rebuffed their advances due to his happiness in the Italian capital.
That came after he had previously turned down the Gunners during his days at Lyon.
Pjanic made the admission as he and his team-mates prepare to face Tottenham on Tuesday at the Juventus Stadium in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.
But the Bosnian international could have been lining-up in the colours of the North London side had things panned out differently.
He said: "There was the opportunity but at that moment I told them I was happy where I was and that’s why we didn’t sign the deal.
"But I made my choice using my head and if I made that choice not to go to an English team it was for good reasons."
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Pjanic has been in fine form for the Serie A side, who he joined from Roma in 2016, scoring five goals and registering nine assists.
He has earned the nickname "The Pianist" due to the way he controls games for the Turin side.
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The ace added: "I like that name. I think I was called the pianist because of the way I play.
"It’s true that I don’t score many goals, just a few, but they are beautiful when I do score!
"I think it’s more about my style of play, how I touch the ball, how I pass the ball, how I move it.
"It’s a nice nickname but I want to effect things through what I do and not through words."
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is believed to have a fully fit squad to choose from apart from long-term absentee Toby Alderweireld.
Spurs warmed up for the showdown with a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Wembley on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Juventus triumphed 2-0 at Fiorentina on Friday night.
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