TORINO (ITALPRESS) – On the eve of the challenge against Bologna, scheduled at the Allianz Stadium, Manuel Locatelli spoke at the press conference addressing different themes, between personal emotions for renewal up to 2030 and goals for this season finale. The Bianconeri midfielder first wanted to dedicate a thought to Alex Manninger: “I care to remember him, I looked at Juve as a child and I have a memory of him, I send a hug from all of us to the family. It will always be in our hearts and in those of the fans of Juve”. Moving on to sporting events, Locatelli reiterated the team’s approach at a crucial time of the season: “The most important game is always the next. At this time they are all decisive, we have prepared ourselves well this week.”.
The renewal of contract until 2030, with the responsibility of the captain’s band, is an important milestone for him: “Difficult to describe the emotion of renewal as captain of Juventus: one should ask a child tomorrow at the stadium, a small white-black fan. Those are my feelings, they are moments of great happiness, for me it is the new dream that is realized. I feel a great sense of responsibility and hope to repay it in the field.” Locatelli also talked about the difficulties experienced: “Fischi transformed into applause? I learned to react here. I’ve always questioned myself and I’ve given the best. The reaction is the basis for staying at these levels.”
Locatelli then told the relationship with Luciano Spalletti, emphasizing the confidence established since the first days: “We didn’t know each other so well, when he arrived, I put myself at his disposal. The good thing for me was that when he arrived on the first day we talked in his office, he appreciated what I was doing. I was immediately trusted.”.
On Italy’s failure to qualify: “When we came back, we Italians, Spalletti told us he was sorry and knew what we were trying. He told us to focus on the club because we have a fundamental goal.” Among the messages received after renewal, one in particular had a special value: “If I have to quote one, I want to make the name of Gianluca Pessotto, which for me is a reference. He told me about the moments of difficulty and how those shaped me to get to be the footballer and the man I am today. There are some crucial moments and you have to know how to win some games, costs what it costs. In these years of sure there was something missing in these circumstances, the evil one that allows you to get the successes that then lead to trophies.”.
Finally, the midfielder reiterated its connection with the club and the centrality of seasonal objectives: “I’ve never seen myself far from Juve, even when I had to do better. In my head I had to prove the player I was, I never thought of leaving, I feel the confidence of the company. It is a good responsibility. The Champions League goal is fundamental.”.
– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
