Mandzukic Leaves Juventus For Al-Duhail
Mario Mandzukic has finally departed Italian champions Juventus on a free transfer to Qatari side Al-Duhail.
The 33-year-old has been frozen out of the Juventus squad ever since Maurizio Sarri replaced Massimiliano Allegri in the summer.
Mandzukic was also excluded from Juventus’ Champions League squad in September as it became apparently clear that his services were no longer needed at the Allianz Arena.
The former Croatia international was on the verge of joining Manchester United in the summer but his wage demands served as an obstacle to a deal being done.
The Red Devils were reportedly keen on resurrecting the deal in the winter transfer window.
Mandzukic spent four-and-a-half seasons with Juventus after joining from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2015.
The former Wolfsburg striker helped the Old Lady to four Serie A titles during his time in Turin as well as three Coppa Italia trophies.
Mandzukic also helped Juventus to reach the 2016/2017 UEFA Champions League final, where he scored a memorable bicycle kick in an eventual 4-1 loss to Real Madrid.
In all, Mandzukic made 164 appearances for the Bianconeri, scoring 44 goals.
Al-Duhail, who are managed by Jose Mourinho’s former assistant manager at Manchester United, Rui Faria, are top of the Qatar Stars League after eleven games.
Mandzukic was a member of the Croatia side that made it to the final of the FIFA World Cup last year, scoring three goals in Russia.
He scored two goals in the final, including an own goal as Croatia lost 4-2 to France.
