Dunga salutes Juventus for signing 'champion' Lucio

Jul 5, 2012 12:05:00 PM

The former Brazil boss has applauded the Old Lady for securing the services of the veteran defender, whom he feels is a born winner and will boost the side's chances of success

Dunga has hailed Juventus' capture of Lucio, labelling the defender as a "champion" who will only add to the club's burgeoning winning mentality.

The 34-year-old spent three years at Inter, having been signed by Jose Mourinho, and won a Serie A title, a Coppa Italia and the Champions League in his maiden season, but was released earlier in the summer as the side finished a disappointing sixth place.

However, that did not deter arch-rivals Juventus from swooping for the experienced Brazil stopper, and his former Selecao coach believes it is an inspired signing by the Scudetto holders.

"If I had to go to war, Lucio is the first player I'd take with me," Dunga told Tuttosport. "He's a great signing, trust me.

"Lucio is a champion and a true leader. He fits in with Juve's hunger for success because he always wants to win. With this, he will drag the rest of his team-mates with him.

"Players like him are hard to find, and usually if you have one you keep them.

"Juve will have a great defence. I cannot guarantee for sure, but certainly Lucio should increase Juventus' chances."

As well as spending a successful spell with Inter, Lucio also enjoyed title-winning stints in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, and also lifted the World Cup with Brazil in 2002.

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