'This frustrated me' - Adrien Rabiot criticises former club Juventus and reveals why they failed to convince midfielder to sign new contract before Marseille transfer

French international Rabiot criticised Juventus for their lack of clarity, ambition and transfer strategy, singling out sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli as the main reason he didn’t renew his contract. In an interview withGazzetta dello Sport, Rabiot says he felt unconvinced by the club’s direction and chose to join Marseille, missing out on Champions League football in the 2024-25 campaign.

Juventus endured a difficult season as they fell out of the Serie A title race and were eliminated from the Champions League at the last-16 stage. After coach Thiago Motta was sacked, Igor Tudor managed to lift the Bianconeri to a fourth-place finish in the league, securing a place in the Champions League. Rabiot, who went on to finish second in Ligue 1 with Marseille,

The midfielder said: "There was an interest in continuing together. Thiago Motta had also called me, but Giuntoli didn't do what was necessary to convince me. And I didn't have the feeling that he wanted to build something important. Given their chaotic season, perhaps I was right."

Rabiot didn’t just walk away from Juventus for a new challenge, his exit was rooted in growing frustration over the club’s transfer strategy. He admitted: “For a few years now, no purchases worthy of Juve had been made and this frustrated me because I had the impression that there were few of us on the pitch who did what was necessary. I didn't want to continue in those conditions."

Rabiot joined Bianconeri outfit in 2019 and eventually became one of their key midfielders and captains. He played under Massimiliano Allegri, Maurizio Sarri and Andrea Pirlo, adapting to multiple roles across midfield. Despite offers elsewhere, he stayed an extra season before deciding to leave a year ago.

Juventus will hope to put in a strong display at the Club World Cup and invest wisely in the squad ahead of next season, with Randal Kolo Muani possibly returning after his successful loan.