Khephren Thuram, Juventus’ dynamic midfielder, recently sat down with La Gazzetta dello Sport (as quoted by IlBianconero) to discuss his journey with the club, his ambitions, and the unique atmosphere within the Juventus squad. From his excitement about the Club World Cup to his bond with his brother Marcus and his pride in his heritage, Thuram offered a candid look at his life on and off the pitch.
The Club World Cup: “We Are Proud to Represent Italy”
Thuram expressed his enthusiasm about participating in the Club World Cup for the first time. “I am very happy to play in it and to be here. It’s a first time and we are proud to represent Italy. It’s great to be part of these competitions with Juventus and we are here to do our best.”
When asked if Juventus aims to reach the final, Thuram was clear about the team’s mindset: “Of course we believe in it, but now we have to focus on the present. We move forward match by match.”
The Atmosphere: “It’s Like the European Championships”
Comparing the Club World Cup to other tournaments, Thuram said, “The Champions League is different for me. I’ve never played in a World Cup, but I did play in the U21 European Championships and I think it’s similar: you reach the final quickly, the matches are knockout rounds, and if you get the right momentum, you can win.”
Family Ties: “We Talk About NBA More Than Football”
Thuram’s relationship with his brother Marcus, who plays for Inter, is strong. “We always keep in touch. He told me they’re working well and he’s happy to be here. We don’t talk about football much; for example, we talk about the NBA, which is a shared passion, especially now with the finals. I support the Lakers because of LeBron James—if he changes teams, I’ll change too, I’m a big fan of his. As a kid, I played basketball at school and had a lot of fun, but my greatest passion has always been football. I also like golf, but I’m not very good on the green.”
The Juventus Mentality: “You Always Play to Win Everything”
Thuram spoke about his first meeting with Damien Comolli, Juventus’ new executive. “Yes, I spoke with him when he arrived. He told us we have to win, but that’s obvious—when you’re at Juventus, you always play to win everything.”
On Kolo Muani: “Everyone Wants to Stay at Juventus”
Reflecting on his teammate Kolo Muani, Thuram was full of praise: “He’s very important, one of the best strikers in the world. He’s fast, scores goals, and works hard for the team—you just have to watch the games to see what he brings. Am I convincing him to stay? There’s no need. We are Juventus and everyone wants to stay. Would I cut off my braids to keep him? No, never.”
Season Reflections: “My Teammates Helped Me Adapt”
Assessing his first season at Juventus, Thuram said, “It’s hard to say. The season isn’t over yet. We have to wait until the end of the Club World Cup. We made it to the Champions League and that was an important goal. I adapted well because my teammates helped me.”
The Meaning Behind His Name: “I Am Proud of My Name”
Finally, Thuram shared the story behind his unique name: “It comes from a pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. My father wanted to remember that civilization was born in Africa. I am proud of my name.”
