After an intense day of travelling, the Juventus Legends touched down in Shanghai at around 12.00 (local time) on Tuesday. Following a warm welcome at the airport from their expectant fans, the squad of former Bianconeri greats made their way to their hotel, to kick off their Chinese adventure in earnest with a press conference to introduce the week’s events and to look ahead to Friday’s LuvFans Cup Forever Legends Friendly Match at Hongkou Football Stadium (kick-off at 19.30 local time).
“First and foremost, it’s an honour for us to be in Shanghai,” Juventus Legends president David Trezeguet began. “I’m also delighted to have here by my side a group of true champions, who’ve won a lot in their careers, but most of all great men.
“We’ve prepared well for Friday and we’re very keen to do well and give everything to ensure an entertaining game. We represent a significant part of Bianconeri history and we’ll make the most of this event to show the people of China a part of the club’s illustrious past.
“We know that Juve has plenty of appeal in China and for us the future growth of our relationship with the country is very important. We hope this won’t be the last of our matches to be played here because we know how much it means to the supporters.”
Following Trezeguet in sharing his delight for the opportunities to strengthen ties between the Bianconeri and China over the coming week and beyond was Juventus Legends coach Gianluca Pessotto.
“It’s a cause of great satisfaction to be here,” he opened. “This is a very important match because it allows us to get closer to our massive fan base here in Shanghai and China as a whole. This forms part of a greater project for the development not only of the Juventus brand, but also of Chinese football.
"We’re happy to give our contribution to this growth and we hope that we can put on a great show on Friday, bringing enjoyment and excitement to all the people watching.
“I pass on the regards of vice president Pavel Nedved, who could not be here due to institutional engagements. He is currently in Prague for a youth tournament organised by SK Slavia Prague, where he will meet the president of China among others. He hopes, however, to be here in Shanghai one day with us to join in the festivities.”
Closing the press conference, Luvfans’ Head of Press Office Ms. Karen Miyanaga concluded: “Juventus is one of the top clubs in the world. We can learn a lot from them with their experience at all footballing, commercial and organisational levels. For the fans it promises to be a great occasion. We’re very happy to be able to work with sporting institutions of this calibre.”