Arthur Melo has opened the door to a potential future under Luciano Spalletti at Juventus, insisting he would be well suited to the coach’s style of play. The Brazilian midfielder is currently spending the 2025/26 season on loan at Gremio, but remains under contract with the Bianconeri until 30 June 2027.
“I Could Adapt to Spalletti’s Football”
Arthur believes his characteristics fit perfectly with what Spalletti asks of his midfielders. “Luciano likes to have a playmaking midfielder, a fulcrum of the team, and I like that role,” he explained. “Pizarro and Lobotka thrived with Spalletti, playing a football based on ball possession and tactical intelligence. It is not absurd to think that I could adapt well. We will see.”
Back Home at Gremio
The return to Gremio has been a revitalising experience for the 28-year-old. “Coming back to Gremio, my home, has been incredible,” Arthur said. “I feel integrated in the club again and I am playing with great confidence, it is just a pity about the recent injury. But next week I will already be back on the pitch.”
Being close to his roots has played a key role. “Being near my family and the fans who saw me grow up is an extra motivation. I am enjoying football again in a way I had not managed for a long time,” he added. When asked if he feels like the player from his Barcelona days, he was clear: “Have I gone back to being the one from Barcelona? There is no secret, only hard work and the fact of being happy again when I play. I have benefited from doing a full pre-season. And then the mind matters too: everyone here at Gremio, from the coach to my team-mates, have made me feel important from the very first day.”
What Went Wrong at Juventus
Arthur did not hide a sense of regret about his time in Turin. “I arrived in Turin in a period of transition for the club, with many changes and that probably affected everyone, including me,” he reflected. “I regret not being able to show what I am showing at Gremio. At Juventus things did not go as I expected, but in Italy I learned a lot.”
Leaving Barcelona and Growing Outside the Comfort Zone
The move from Barcelona to Juventus remains a bittersweet memory. “Every experience teaches you something, and when I think about it I am left with a bittersweet taste,” Arthur admitted. “At Barça I felt good, I do not know what would have happened if I had stayed. Juventus, however, allowed me to get to know another football, another culture and to grow as a man, even in difficult moments. I learned lessons that I might not have learned if I had stayed in my comfort zone in Barcelona.”
Pirlo, Allegri, Thiago Motta: “Some Understood My Football Less”
Arthur chose not to create controversy, but hinted that not every coach fully understood his qualities. “No one treated me badly, but some understood my football less than others,” he said. “But do not make me go any further, now I just want to think positively. At Juventus I also have many friends. I have found some of them again in Brazil, for example Danilo.”
Advice for Neymar: “Serie A Is Beautiful, Juve a Unique Experience”
Arthur also spoke warmly about his friend Neymar and did not hesitate when asked what he would say if the forward asked about Italy. “Neymar is a phenomenal player and a person I am very fond of,” he said. “If he asked me, I would tell him that Serie A is a beautiful league where he could enjoy himself a lot and Juventus are a top club with an immense history, demanding and passionate fans. A unique experience, to seize immediately. I am sure people would welcome Neymar with open arms.”
Praise for Yildiz
The Brazilian had glowing words for Kenan Yildiz, one of the brightest talents in the current Juventus squad. “Kenan is a boy with crazy talent,” Arthur enthused. “When he started training with the first team, we immediately realised he was a special kid. Technique, vision, mentality and above all a great desire to learn, which is a very important aspect at his age.”
Young Prospects to Watch at Gremio
Arthur also highlighted some emerging talents at Gremio who could have a big future. “Luis Guedes, 18 years old, will have a spectacular future. He is a tall, quick defender with personality,” he noted. “Watch out also for Gabriel Mec, 17 years old, a very interesting winger. Gremio has historically been a treasure when it comes to youth development.”
