12 July 2018
Having signed for the club on 27 June, the time had come for João Cancelo to be introduced officially to the Bianconeri family during Thursday’s press conference at Allianz Stadium.
The former Benfica, Valencia and Inter player will wear the number 20 shirt for the Bianconeri, as he bids to make his time in Turin a success:
EYES ON THE PRIZES
“My objective here is to win titles, starting with the league and Coppa Italia. I would define the Champions League as an objective too, but not an obligation, as there are several other top clubs who will fight hard to win it too. Make no mistake though, it’s a very important target of ours.
“On a personal level, I also hope that by performing well at a big club like Juventus will raise my chances of playing more for the Portuguese national team.”
FROM NERAZZURRO TO BIANCONERO
“Inter helped me grow and develop my game. They gave me my first taste of Italian football too, so I’m very grateful for that.
“Last season’s fixture between Inter and Juve at the San Siro was one of the most exciting matches I’ve ever played in. I was on the losing side, of course, but now I’m a Bianconero and looking ahead.”
ADAPTING TO THE ITALIAN GAME
“The Spanish league is more technical, while the Italian league is more tactical. There are some big differences, but then it depends on the how the player adapts.
“I would definitely say that moving from Valencia to the Serie A has helped me improve on my defending and I want to keep raising the bar in my overall game.”
THE RONALDO EFFECT
“It’s an enormous pleasure for me and all footballers to play with a great champion like Cristiano Ronaldo. I’m sure he’s going to raise the overall quality of the team and he’ll help us to keep winning.
“He has a winning mentality and has won a lot in his career. At the same time, Juventus have claimed seven straight Scudetto titles, so I hope they will make a perfect match.”
WORKING WITH THE BOSS
“Massimiliano Allegri has very clear ideas about what he wants and together we shall work hard to give this team an identity.
“My role depends on the requirements of the team, not vice versa, so I’ll follow Allegri’s instructions, so that I can give as much as possible to the group.
“There’s a lot of competition for places, especially down the right side, so I hope to meet expectations and hold down a regular position in the side.”
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
“Many players have impressed me: Dybala, Higuain and Douglas Costa are a force in attack. Meanwhile, in defence they’re very strong too with the likes of Chiellini.
“My first impressions are that the club is very well organised, the training sessions are very intense – akin to playing matches – and that naturally raises the level of all the players.”
“In terms of fitting in here, Alex Sandro has given me a warm welcome and we talk a lot. When (fellow native Portuguese speakers) Douglas Costa and Ronaldo return, it will be even easier to adapt.”
RESPONSIBILITY AND PRIDE
“I feel a significant level of responsibility in light of the amount that Juve paid for me, but through hard work and by following the advice of Allegri I’m eager to demonstrate that I’m worth the price tag.
“I’m proud to be a part of this team, this family, and the black and white are the colours that I’m going to be defending from now on.”
