'It was a real shock!' - Dean Huijsen's dad reveals 'dark day' Juventus sold centre-back to Bournemouth and slams Thiago Motta for 'brutal' treatment of Real Madrid star

Huijsen’s shock departure from Juventus continues to spark controversy. The highly rated centre-back, signed from Malaga at 16 and tipped to become one of the world’s best defenders, was sold to Bournemouth for just €15m (£13m/$16m) plus bonuses. Madrid then activated his release clause, paying €60m (£50m/$66m) to bring him to Spain, where he has already broken into Xabi Alonso’s first-team plans.

In an interview with Tuttosport, Huijsen’s father and agent, Donald, revealed the family’s disbelief at the way Juventus handled the situation, saying: "It was a real shock. We couldn't believe it, we were shocked. It was bad, too bad. A dark day. Terrible. A bolt from the blue. But why? We wondered, unable to understand, the reasons for the forced separation."

He added: "Dean was wonderful in Turin, he speaks excellent Italian, he was appreciated and well-liked by everyone. From the staff to his teammates, from the entire Juventus world to the warehouseman. Giuntoli was categorical and Motta was brutal when they told him he would no longer be part of the project and that he had to leave, that he was no longer allowed to train with the first team."  

The Spaniard’s move has left Juventus fans and insiders bitter. Signed for just €470,000, he had already impressed in his Serie A debut against AC Milan under Massimiliano Allegri. But with Cristiano Giuntoli reshaping the squad under then new coach Motta, the defender was pushed out and sold cheaply to the Cherries. Los Blancos' swoop this summer has intensified criticism of Juve’s decision, especially as Huijsen has already shown flashes of quality at the Club World Cup.

It has been speculated that the sale had a role in Giuntoli's sacking at Juve, to which Huijsen said: "He and Motta aren't exactly among my best friends..."

After a shaky showing in Madrid’s 5-2 defeat to rivals Atletico, Huijsen will aim to bounce back when Alonso’s side face Kairat Almaty in the Champions League this week, before returning to La Liga action against Villarreal.