The 35-year-old Cannavaro looks set to rejoin the Bianconeri on a free transfer next season, and Ranieri denied that he was reluctant to sign the Italy skipper.

"We asked ourselves about Cannavaro’s age but we couldn’t miss the opportunity to sign an international who could re-form Italy’s central defensive partnership with (Giorgio) Chiellini and could come for free,” he told a news conference.

"For this reason I gave the OK when I was asked."

Not Worried

From his part, Cannavaro said he has no concerns over the reaction of Juve fans to his return, following his frustrating departure three years ago.

The powerful center-half left Juve for Real in 2006 after the Old Lady were demoted to Serie B, as a result of their infamous match-fixing scandal.

"Everyone knows I would return to Juve with joy in my heart because I had two beautiful seasons in Turin," Cannavaro told Tuttosport.

"People expected me to stay (in 2006) but I’ve already explained a thousand times what happened. I am not worried, I will definitely talk with the fans."