Federico Gattiʼs exclusive interview with La Stampa: “How did I go from Serie D to Juventus in two years? Many doors were slammed in my face in the past, I remember them all. Even as a kid. And each one had me thinking the same thing: at this point I shall discover who I am. That formed my character: never give up.
“January mercato? I found myself in an amazing situation. Torino, Juventus, the Premier League.. but I know where I started from ans I what I want. I was born in Rivoli, my parents live in Chieri and my grandfather lives in Vallette with the Juventus stadium in the background.
“A potential move to Torino? I spoke to Juric on the phone, he is a great motivator. He even spoke to me about where I would play, my position. Then shortly after, I got a call saying that there was an official offer from Juventus..
“Continassa? It was a short visit but it was enough for me to understand where I'd arrived. I went in for a medical and had a feeling of what the Juventus world is. Straight after I went to my grandfather's house. He is a granata, but he was in tears. Happy for me.
“With this shirt on, you can no longer afford to slipup, neither on the pitch nor off it, we are waiting for you: those were Chiellini and Bonucci's words to me at Continassa. Chiellini and Bonucci, the European champions, to me, a player in his first year in Serie B.
“Who am I as a player? Someone who uses his mentality a lot, and I will have to use it even more now that I'm a Bianconero. Role model? Apart from Chiellini ans Bonucci, I'd say Demiral and Skriniar. I like their competitive spirit, never giving up an inch.
“How it's gonna be at Juve, in June? Not to be passed on (loan etc) even if the decision will be ultimately the club or coach's to make. Not to be passed on because I have a great desire to prove myself at such a level.
“Decision to join Juventus? I had little time, very little time to decide. I still relive that moment. I was informed by my agent and then I quickly sought the advice of more experienced people and players. I took the decision in 20 minutes,” via Tarek Khatib. ⚫⚪
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