Jhon Lucumí has spoken — and his first words as a Juventus player carry the unmistakable warmth and genuine emotion of a man who chose this club above every other and has finally got here.
“I Am Very Happy to Have Arrived Here”
The interview opened with the simplest and most heartfelt of declarations. “I am very happy to have arrived here. I am arriving at the biggest club in Italy and I am truly moved. I cannot wait to adapt quickly to my new teammates and to play my part this season.” It is the language of a player who has waited all summer for this moment — who turned down five rival clubs, sat through weeks of negotiation, and maintained his position throughout. The arrival is not merely a transfer. For Lucumí, it is the fulfilment of a clearly stated ambition.
“Cuadrado, Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli — These Are My Reference Points”
When asked which Juventus defender he had looked up to or taken as an inspiration in his career, Lucumí’s answer revealed both the breadth of his footballing education and the depth of his feeling for the club he has joined. “I think the first is Cuadrado. I think he did a great job here and he is a reference point in Colombia for having played for this squad. And then Juventus has had great defenders: Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli. I think they are reference points for me and for all players who play in our position.”
The Colombian connection is touching — Cuadrado, the former Juventus right-back and national team legend, has left footprints in the club’s history that give Lucumí an immediate and personal frame of reference. The inclusion of Chiellini, alongside whom Giorgio Chiellini himself is now a director at the club, adds an additional layer of institutional symmetry.
“We Have Only Said Hello — There Is Time to Understand What He Wants from Me”
On his first interaction with Luciano Spalletti, Lucumí was appropriately grounded about the early stage of their relationship. “We have only said hello. We have time to talk and for me to understand from him everything he wants me to do for the team.” It is precisely the right answer — measured, professional, and focused on the work ahead rather than any premature declaration of tactical alignment.
“I Feel I Am in a Good Phase of Maturity — I Can Give a Great Deal”
The most substantive passage of the interview came when Lucumí was asked what he believes he can bring to the squad immediately. “Now I feel I am in a good phase of maturity. I feel I have taken the right step — and with these teammates who are of the very highest level, I know I can give important help and a great deal to Juventus.”
It is an assessment that matches what Spalletti has been saying about him all summer: a player who has reached the peak of his development arc, who has refined his game at Bologna across four seasons, and who arrives ready to contribute immediately rather than needing time to settle.
“I Cannot Wait to See Them at the Allianz Stadium”
The final word was reserved for the supporters — and delivered with the simple, direct warmth that already speaks well of the character of this new Juventus player. “I am happy to be here. I cannot wait to see them at the Allianz Stadium and I hope to be able to give back all this affection in the moments we are on the pitch together.” The season begins on Sunday at Frosinone. The summer has finally, after three months of extraordinary events, produced its seventh signing. The Continassa, at last, is ready.
