Matuidi: ‘Better late than never!’
By Football Italia staff
New Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi laughs “better late than never” after completing his move from Paris Saint-Germain.
The French international was set to join the Bianconeri last summer, but PSG pulled the plug at the last minute.
Last week though Juve finally got their man, and he made his debut during the 3-0 win over Cagliari on Saturday.
“This is a great club with a habit of going far in the Champions League, and winning the Scudetto,” Matuidi said in his official presentation.
“For me it was natural to come to this team and wear this shirt. There are many great players who have worn this shirt and for me it’s a great honour to be part of the Juventus family.
“I never had the slightest doubt and I’m very happy to be here.
“In my opinion every team is different, every team has its own culture. I’ve come to a new country so this is a new adventure for me.
“This is a particularly ambitious challenge, I’ve come to a big club. First things first I have to adapt, but my teammates have welcomed me really well and it’ll certainly be easier when he have an understanding on and off the pitch.
“Juve have a great history, this is such an important club and it’s a huge honour for me to be here.
“Last year? I don’t want to go back over what happened in the past, there were rumours that the club was interested in me but nothing came of it.
“Maybe PSG didn’t want to let me go, but better late than never. I’m glad to be here.”
Didier Deschamps wore the number 14 at Juventus, and is also the France Coach, and Matuidi has also chosen that number.
“I talked to Deschamps, who is my Coach with France and that was very important for me because I received a lot of information about the club.
“It’s very important for me to change clubs, evolve in a new context and then there’s the World Cup to think about.
“I asked for some information, even if I’d already decided and he spoke really highly of Juve to me.
“The number is the one I’ve had for many years, so I have to say it’s a coincidence it’s the one Deschamps had at Juve, but he did great things here.”