Nick Woltemade scored his first competitive goal for Juventus on Thursday evening — from the penalty spot, following a gesture of extraordinary generosity from Nico González, who handed the ball to his new striking partner rather than taking the kick himself. Speaking to Sky Sport at the final whistle of the 5-0 demolition of NEC Nijmegen, Woltemade was warm, grounded, and characteristically honest about the distance still to travel.
“I Am Really Happy — Especially for the Good Result”
“I am really happy — especially for the good result. Winning at home is always positive. I think we played well and I am delighted to have scored my first goal. It was a beautiful evening.”
“For a Striker the Goal Is Always the Most Important Thing — It Will Help Me Settle In. Thank You Nico”
On the significance of opening his account: “Honestly, you can play as well as you want — but for a striker the goal is always the most important thing. It will help me settle in. I thank Nico González, who allowed me to take the penalty.”
“Everything Is New for Me — I Am Not Yet Satisfied. I Think About How to Improve”
The most revealing passage of the interview was also its most honest — the statement of a player who has scored but refuses to be satisfied by the single moment. “For me everything is new here. I don’t yet speak Italian and each week I learn something. I am not yet satisfied — I think about how I can improve to help the team further.” It is precisely the attitude Spalletti described when he said Woltemade reminded him of a Friesian horse: powerful, willing, always looking to give more.
“Playing for Germany Is Very Beautiful — but First I Think About Sunday”
On the forthcoming international break and his Germany call-up — confirmed for the Nations League fixtures during the coming fortnight: “Playing for Germany is very beautiful and I am enthusiastic. But first I must think about Sunday’s match.” The Atalanta fixture on Sunday, before the international break, is the next challenge. Tonight’s 5-0, the first goal, the beginning of a European campaign. And a German centre-forward who is not yet satisfied. The Friesian horse, it seems, is just getting started.
