Zbigniew “Zibì” Boniek knows both the past and present of Juventus as few others do. The Polish legend, who wore the black-and-white shirt in the early 1980s, is one of the central figures in director Angelo Bozzolini’s new documentary on the club’s golden decade from 1975 to 1985, previewed at the Turin Film Festival. Speaking in a recent interview with Corriere.it (as quoted by Calciomercato), Boniek shared his reflections on that glorious era, his Juventus memories, and the evolution of modern football.
“I feel 45 even if I’m 69”
Reflecting on the nostalgia stirred by the film, Boniek said: “I’m 69 years old, though I feel 45. I watched the documentary, and it hit me that I can never again embrace Paolo Rossi. Back then, in the dressing room, everyone spoke one language — Italian. There was more friendship between players because there was less rivalry. We were 11 starters, four substitutes, and three youngsters from the Primavera. It was a more united time.”
“Juventus were one of the best in the world”
Boniek recalled his arrival in Turin: “I came from Poland, where I was already an established player, but Juventus were one of the strongest teams in the world. I remember a match we played in Poland against Lechia Gdańsk — Lech Walesa was in the stands, the crowd was shouting ‘freedom’, and from the loudspeakers they played ‘Felicità’ by Al Bano to calm everyone down.”
“We had real champions — now they have good players”
Boniek did not hide his view on how Juventus have changed: “It was full of real champions — players who made football history like Vialli and Baggio. Now I see good players, but our Juventus was different. Boniperti would even call my wife and say: ‘Is everything all right, madam? Tell your husband he needs a haircut.’ Today it’s like every other team. Back then, any club wanting to sell a player would first call Juventus. When Andrea Agnelli won a league title, he went onto the pitch and spoke to the fans through three microphones — I imagine the Lawyer (Agnelli senior) must have turned in his grave. It’s not a wrong gesture, but it’s something everyone does now. Still, I don’t want to speak badly about anyone.”
“I’ve never spoken badly about Juventus”
After retiring, Boniek settled in Rome, where he had also played. That decision sparked criticism from some Juventus ultrà. “In my time there was a fierce rivalry,” he explained. “Some Juve fans said I’m no longer a former Juventus player. I say: if anyone can show me a single article where I spoke badly about Juventus — apart from comments on Moggi and Giraudo — I’ll donate a thousand euros to charity.”
“Platini and I were just very different”
Boniek also recalled his relationship with Michel Platini: “We were just two foreigners, completely different personalities. I spoke a little French, and our wives became friends. Michel suffered an injustice at UEFA, caught in a scandal. He’s an honest, kind, and good person.”
“It will be a fight between Milan, Inter, Napoli and Roma”
Turning to the current Serie A season, Boniek made his predictions: “It will be a fight between Milan, Inter, Napoli and Roma. Gasperini is truly excellent. Juventus must play a bit better.”
“Today’s players are isolated — but I don’t blame them”
Asked about modern footballers and their lifestyles, Boniek struck a nostalgic note: “Back then there was no PlayStation. In Villar Perosa I used to play cards with Zoff, Furino, Tardelli and Rossi. We lived together. Now players wear headphones and isolate themselves — but I don’t blame them.”
