Former Liverpool director of football, Damien Comolli, has been appointed Juventus’ new general manager.
The 53-year-old has an extensive CV and has worked with several top European sides, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, will begin his new role next week and is set to report to the club’s CEO Maurizio Scanavino.
Described as a “leader with extensive international experience”, Comolli will be responsible for the “Men’s Football Arena” and Juventus’ marketing and commercial departments. Former defender Giorgio Chiellini, who is now Juve’s director of football strategy, will report to Comolli.
“I am thrilled and privileged to join a club distinguished by its history, identity and ambitious vision,” the ex-Liverpool executive told Juventus’ website as the news was confirmed.
“From the very first day, I will dedicate my experience to Juventus with the ultimate goal of achieving victory — just as Juventus is meant to, and as our fans rightfully expect.”
Comolli spent less than two years at Anfield was is most remembered for his mixed transfer record. The Frenchman sanctioned the signing of Andy Carroll from Newcastle United in 2011, a then-British transfer record.
He also oversaw the underwhelming summer transfer window that included the arrivals of Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam.
Damien Comolli and Jordan Henderson
Damien Comolli said the signing of Jordan Henderson cost him in his job.
But under Comolli’s watch, the Reds did complete the signings of Luis Suarez and Jordan Henderson.
Despite the latter going on to be a club legend, Comolli claimed after leaving Liverpool that Henderson’s transfer from Sunderland was ultimately what cost him his job.
“The day I got sacked, they [Liverpool's owners] told me I had made a big mistake on Jordan and he was a waste of money,” the new Juventus employee told talkSPORT in a 2016 interview.
“Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but I think we paid the right price. He was a young English, British player and we know very often that British players are overvalued.
Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard and Damien Comolli
Damien Comolli pictured with Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard as the latter's contract extension was confirmed in 2012.
“But we were more than happy to pay the price because we thought he would become an outstanding player.
“I never said it publicly, but I was convinced he would be the future captain. People will say it is easy to say now, but I was convinced at the time that he would become the Liverpool captain. Now he is and he is also the England captain.”
Comolli began his career as a scout at Arsenal and went on to become football director at Tottenham Hotspur. He also worked for Saint-Etienne and Fenerbahce.
Earlier this week, he announced his departure as president from Toulouse, a club he led to promotion and a maiden Coupe de France triumph three years ago.