Locatelli: There’s a winning mentality here, we are here to win

Juventus lastly accomplished the protracted switch course of for Manuel Locatelli, signing the midfielder earlier this week from Sassuolo. After the participant attended the normal first group versus Beneath-23s recreation that heralds the brand new season, right this moment he was unveiled to the media with a press convention.

The 23-year-old reiterated that he grew up a Juve fan and was completely happy to lastly obtain the purpose of taking part in for the Bianconeri.

“This has all the time been the dream I had as a baby. We have now a Juventus household, and it’s a double sensation for me. I’ve to get into the half immediately, if I’m right here it’s as a result of I deserve it and I can’t wait to get began.

“I’ll give my all as a result of we’re right here for this. There’s a profitable mentality right here, we’re right here to win. I’ll instantly put myself on the service of the group and the service of the coach. It was already great what number of teammates welcomed me.

“They’re all good guys, and I can’t wait to spend these years with them.”

Concerning the place he would play in midfield, and what it might be wish to be part of a group crammed with official superstars.

“Our midfield can be continually transferring however we nonetheless have to practise – I’ve solely had one coaching session. The boss desires me to play the ball ahead rapidly and I’m able to play wherever he desires me.

“Right here I’ll get to play with a number of the guys from the Italy group. It was unusual once I noticed them since you may see that they had a special mentality to the others. I spent plenty of time chatting to them and so they’ve written to me over the previous couple of weeks. Hugging Giorgio Chiellini felt unbelievable and so pure. He welcomed me like a youthful brother.

“There are such a lot of world-class gamers right here. Once you play in opposition to Cristiano Ronaldo after which you end up in the identical dressing room as him, it’s a particular feeling. The identical goes for Paulo Dybala.”

What did he find out about Juve’s coach Massimiliano Allegri, and the way a lot does he bear in mind about scoring in opposition to the Bianconeri 5 years in the past?

“I had a couple of coaching classes with [Massimiliano] Allegri at AC Milan a couple of years again. I bear in mind them nicely. It’s an honour to be coached by somebody like him who’s received a lot.

“I’m wanting ahead to studying from him as a result of I nonetheless have a lot room for enchancment.

“The purpose I scored for AC Milan in opposition to Juve in 2016 was an unbelievable second which catapulted me into a totally totally different world. I used to be very younger and I actually discovered it robust after that purpose, as a result of the expectations have been very excessive. Fortuitously, due to Sassuolo, I used to be capable of finding my toes once more.

“After that purpose, my grandmother, who’s an enormous Juventus fan, stated: ‘Nicely achieved, Manuel, however Miralem Pjanic’s free-kick ought to have been a purpose too!’”

Picture by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC by way of Getty Pictures

The previous AC Milan youth product has worn #73 all through his time with the Rossoneri after which at Sassuolo, however has switched to #27 at Juve that Stefano Sturaro and Fabio Quagliarella amongst others have beforehand worn.

“I’ve chosen the quantity 27 as my shirt quantity. 7 brings me luck and I needed to vary the quantity as a result of this can be a new journey.”

Locatelli went on to precise his admiration for former Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio.

“I heard that Marchisio needed me to return right here. He did lots for Juve, I’d wish to observe in his footsteps.”

Was he able to play if wanted on Sunday in opposition to Udinese in Juve’s first recreation of the Serie A season?

“I’m not at 100% by way of my health, however I’m able to play. The coach will make that call.”