Many happy returns, Stephan!

Fresh from putting in one of his trademark performances during yesterday evening’s 6-1 Coppa Italia demolition of Verona at Juventus Stadium, Stephan Lichtsteiner is celebrating his 31st birthday today.

The right-back – who this week put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension which ties him down to the club until 2017 – joined the Bianconeri from Serie A rivals Lazio back in June 2011.

During his three-and-a-half-year stay in Turin, the Switzerland international has proved a pivotal member of a Juventus side who have won three consecutive league titles and two Italian Super Cups.

Everyone at the club wishes Lichtsteiner many happy returns on his special day.