His greeting is unmistakable: “Ciao, Panita!” His way of playing is much less recognisable, even now that he is 38. Juan Cuadrado, who spent a life in Italy and has now returned to Colombia with Millonarios, has always been unpredictable. A huge talent who disciplined himself tactically over the years, he became a champion: 314 appearances for Juventus alone, 13 titles in his career and 116 caps for Colombia.
He exudes Juventus spirit from every pore, but even now he deals with a move to Inter in 2023 that many have not forgiven him. The headline captures the tone: “Scusami Juve” (“Sorry, Juve”), and the subheading adds that he had wonderful years in violet with Fiorentina but “my team was and remains the black-and-white one. I know I disappointed the people.”
Does He Still Think of Juventus?
Of course, he says. “The first thing that comes to mind is the greatness of the club. In Colombia everybody reminds me of it. To have been part of an important piece of Juventus’s history honours me.”
Asked from whom he learned most in Turin, he began with a name that has recurred in this period: “Cristiano Ronaldo taught me a great deal. He has extraordinary discipline. But also Alex Sandro, Chiellini and Bonucci. They had so much humanity, besides talent. Chiello, for example, was an emotional reference for me. Like him, Buffon and Marchisio too, players and men who made you understand straight away what Juventus was.”
Today’s Juventus
Asked about a Juventus that is a distant relative of his in terms of quality and leaders, Cuadrado was careful. “Every team is different. Back then there were leaders and players of huge talent. Now Juventus has changed. There are many young players who are guided by Bremer, Locatelli, McKennie and Pinsoglio. Carlo is fundamental: he brings you joy, of course, but he pushes you to give everything. The young players are lucky to have them as examples.”
On what the team lacks to become competitive again: “Little by little they will improve, and you have to consider the injuries. You will see when Yıldız returns. He is someone who can change matches. He already has something of the champion in him. I am sure that after the break they will pick up altitude and become more mature.”
