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Vincent Pericard reveals he was sent to Portsmouth as punishment for asking out Juventus vice-chairman’s girlfriend

Former Pompey, Stoke and Southampton striker was ready to make his break at the Italian giants but undid all his hard work with one text message

Steve Goodman

Published: 12:59, 7 Nov 2018
Updated: 13:56, 7 Nov 2018

Vincent Pericard said he was sent to Portsmouth as a punishment

EX-PREMIER LEAGUE striker Vincent Pericard has revealed he wrecked his Juventus career by asking the vice-chairman's girlfriend for a date.

The Frenchman looked set for the top after joining the Italian giants from Saint-Etienne in 2000.

Vincent Pericard said he was sent to Portsmouth as a punishment — Vincent Pericard said he was sent to Portsmouth as a punishmentCredit: Robin Jones

The striker asked his Italian teacher out - but it was vice-chairman Roberto Bettega's girlfriend — The striker asked his Italian teacher out - but it was vice-chairman Roberto Bettega's girlfriendCredit: Action Images

However they shipped him out on loan to Portsmouth after his embarrassing blunder.

Pericard never rejoined Juve and went on to play top-flight football for Pompey and Stoke.

The 36-year-old attacker : "My entire life outside of Juve has been scandalous.

"Myself and two other French players at the club were having Italian lessons with a beautiful tutor.

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"One evening we were at home and I sent the teacher a message inviting her round for a drink with us.

"An hour later the phone rang. It was Roberto Bettega, the Juventus vice-chairman.

"He gave us a b*llocking and asked us who we thought we were to send messages to his girlfriend.

"We didn't know she was his girlfriend. We were hauled in for talks, and they loaned me out to Portsmouth.

Pericard ruined his chance to make it at Juventus with the text message which did not go down well — Pericard ruined his chance to make it at Juventus with the text message which did not go down wellCredit: AFP - Getty

He became a journeyman striker, playing for ten English clubs after being pushed out of Juventus — He became a journeyman striker, playing for ten English clubs after being pushed out of JuventusCredit: PA:Press Association

"It was terrible as things had been going so well for me at Juventus.

"I ruined my career with Juve all because of an unfortunate text.

"I have no doubt that without that happening my life would have been totally different."

Pericard also had spells with Southampton, Sheffield United, Millwall, Plymouth, Carlisle and Swindon.

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