FC Zenit sign Italian midfielder Marchisio

St. Petersburg : FC Zenit have announced the signing of veteran Italian midfielder Claudio Marchisio on a two-year contract.

The 32-year-old was a free agent after terminating his contract with Italian football giants Juventus, which he had joined at the age of seven.

Marchisio is a seven-time Serie A winner, three-time winner of the Italian Super Cup and four times of the Italian Cup. While at Juventus, he played twice in the final of the UEFA Champions League.

"I had no doubt about signing for Zenit. I like the club, I like the ambition. After leaving Juventus, I promised that I would not sign for any other Italian team, but I still wanted to find a place that shares my values," Marchisio was quoted as saying by the Russian club's website on Monday.

"When I saw yesterday's match (against Spartak) I was struck by the stadium, and the way the fans supported Zenit," he added.

Before that, I talked to Domenico Criscito (a former Zenit player), and asked him to recommend a good restaurant! In fact, Mimmo confirmed that Zenit is a special club with amazing fans. At the end of the week, I will come to St. Petersburg to see everything with my own eyes."

Marchisio has played 389 matches for Juventus, scoring 37 goals and made 42 assists.

In August 2009, Marchisio made his debut for Italy and has won 55 caps and scored 5 goals.