Striker was exiled to Portsmouth after messaging Juventus vice-chairman's girlfriend

The former French under-21 international made the move to Fratton Park on loan from Juve in 2002.

He subsequently made 49 appearances and scored 10 times in a south-coast stay spanning four seasons.

But things could have worked out different for Pericard.

The striker was highly-rated by Juventus, but after asking then vice-chairman Roberto Bettega's girlfriend on a date via message, his career at the club was over.

Pericard's blunder was Pompey's gain as he spent a season on loan with the Blues' during the 2002-03 promotion-winning campaign, before joining on a permanent deal.

The Frenchman sustained several injuries during his three-year permanent Pompey stay, moving to Stoke City in June 2006.

Speaking to The Sun, the 36-year-old said: 'My entire life outside of Juve has been scandalous.

"Myself and two other French players at the club were having Italian lessons with a beautiful tutor.

'˜One evening we were at home and I sent the teacher a message inviting her round for a drink with us.

'An hour later the phone rang. It was Roberto Bettega, the Juventus vice-chairman.

'He gave us a b******ing and asked us who we thought we were to send messages to his girlfriend.

'We didn't know she was his girlfriend. We were hauled in for talks, and they loaned me out to Portsmouth.

'It was terrible as things had been going so well for me at Juventus.

'I ruined my career with Juve all because of an unfortunate text.

'I have no doubt that without that happening my life would have been totally different.'