13 September 2016
Fan favourite Juan Cuadrado was offered the finest of homecoming welcomes on Saturday as he rose to warm up down the touchline during the Bianconeri’s 3-1 victory over Sassuolo. Approaching the stand in front of which he produced one of the standout moments of the previous season, the winger was serenaded immediately by the passionate home fans.
For Cuadrado, an unused substitute on the day having recently reported back from international duty with his native Colombia, the moment was of great significance: he was back at Juventus Stadium in a black and white jersey for the first time since lifting the Scudetto trophy to the sky four months previously in May, a place that since last summer has always felt like home.
The reunion of Juan and the supporters was one enjoyed by all, the former especially. Speaking to Jtv this week, the 28-year old had this to say on the dawn of another season at the service of the Old Lady:
Happy homecoming
“It was a special moment hearing the fans cheer my name. I’m flattered by their support. I did everything in my power to come back to Turin and I’m delighted to be here again.
“As before, I’m looking forward to getting back to business, working hard, improving my game and giving my all for the team.”
Pleasure to be back
“Seeing Juve play is always a pleasure and it’s great to see your team-mates transfer what you work so hard on in training onto the pitch on matchdays.
“The photo with Paulo and Gonzalo? We are all South Americans, we speak the same language and we are all good friends so I wanted to share that moment in Vinovo to celebrate the fact that I was back home where I belong!”
Champions League focus
“We know how significant the Champions League is and we need to start as we mean to go on by winning our opening fixture; kicking off the campaign with three points is of utmost importance. From then, we’ll see where that takes us; we’re an excellent side and we should consider ourselves among the top few clubs in the competition.”
