Juventus hero Claudio Marchisio has revealed how Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema was close to joining the Bianconeri.

Marchisio admits he knew at the time that Benzema could've been joining them.

“It's true, Benzema was close to Juventus, the year Ciro Ferrara was the coach," said Marchisio.

“He hadn't done well at Real Madrid and the Merengues had to choose whether to sell him or Gonzalo Higuain. They ended up both staying and a few years later Higuain went to Napoli.

“Karim was really close to joining us at Juve that year, but unfortunately it didn't happen. There was definitely a possibility, though."