Fresh off his Premier League triumph with Liverpool, Federico Chiesa sat down for an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, reflecting on his Juventus departure, his relationship with coaches, and what the future might hold.
No Regrets Over Leaving Juventus
Asked if he regretted leaving Juventus, Chiesa was unequivocal:
“Regret leaving Juve? No, why should I?
The End of the Juventus Chapter
Chiesa revealed that his exit was not his decision alone:
“I was never offered a renewal. There had been some talks about discussing it after the Euros, but nobody got back in touch
Thiago Motta’s Decision
The turning point came after his wedding, when Chiesa met with new Juventus coach Thiago Motta:
“When I came back from vacation after my wedding, I spoke to Thiago who told me straight: ‘You are not part of the project, look for a team.’ But I have great affection for Juve and the fans.
Life Outside the First Team
Chiesa dismissed the idea that being sidelined was humiliating:
“The months out of the squad, a humiliation? No, because I trained with other players in the same situation. They were clear from day one, they had me work for the team for two weeks, then Thiago Motta didn’t want me anymore. I’m a professional and I kept training to find another team. It was disappointing because I care a lot about Juventus and thought I could still give a lot.
Respect for Juventus and the Fans
On his time in Turin, Chiesa said:
“I was at Juve for four years and always behaved well, but it was their choice. Out of the squad, I could train in the best conditions, but I missed the friendlies. At Liverpool, I had to start over and that penalized me
Allegri: “A Winner”
Chiesa spoke highly of his former coach Massimiliano Allegri:
“So much has been said, but I have great respect for Max: he gave me a lot, last year I started strong. He’s a winner, for me Milan is a great choice. He made me realize I could play as a second striker, broadening my horizons. Sousa gave me my Serie A debut and with Mancini I reached my peak at the Euros, but Allegri gave me a lot in terms of personal growth and playing style. He called me in September to wish me luck before I went to Liverpool. That was really nice.
A Possible Juventus Return?
On a potential return to Juventus, Chiesa left the door open:
“Never saynever.
Reflecting on His Juventus Years
Chiesa feels he gave his all in Turin, despite setbacks:
“I feel I gave my best at Juventus, even if the injury interrupted my growth. I could have improved, but I wasn’t given the chance, the coach made another choice.
On Juventus’ Recent Season
Chiesa expressed disappointment at Juventus’ struggles:
“It hurt to see them in difficulty. I didn’t expect it to end that way, the club had a project that didn’t work out. The Champions League was achieved but that can’t be enough: at Juve, fourth place is the bare minimum. I’m happy to see Chiellini in management: Giorgio was a great captain, a guaranteefor Juve.
On Vlahovic and Other Players
Discussing Dusan Vlahovic’s future, Chiesa said:
“Would I see him in the Premier League? Yes, but above all I hope he makes a choice that makes him happy and allows him to show his worth. Dusan is a great player, but everything is open.
On Kenan Yildiz wearing the number 10:
“The number 10 at Juve is a heavy shirt. Kenan is a smart and strong guy. The 10 suits him, but it’s an extra responsibility because Del Piero and Platini wore it. Kenan has the potential for a career at that level
On Sandro Tonali:
“Tonali at Juve? That would be a great signing, he’s a fantastic player and is showing it at Newcastle.
On Douglas Luiz:
“Has he disappointed? It happens, it’s a matter of settling in. Douglas is strong, it was a good move to buy him.
On Conte and Winning Mentality
Chiesa praised Antonio Conte’s impact:
“Whoever gets Conte, like Allegri, has more chances to win the Scudetto and he’s shown it even more at Napoli. He’s a winner and succeeds wherever he goes, like Max and Ancelotti.
