06 March 2023
What a way to spend a afternoon - together with Federico Chiesa!
Today "Back On Track" was released worldwide on Prime Video, the first original production of the Juventus Creator Lab, the club’s new approach to creation, where creatives with different talents join forces to produce content for the official club channels everyday.
The Italian release took place on February 3, with sensational results on Amazon.
Fede spoke about the documentary and his recovery live on our Twitch channel.
THE ORIGINS OF BACK ON TRACK
“Shortly after the operation I spoke to Juventus,” Fede revealed, “Initially the idea was to make some episodes for Youtube, something smaller than what has been achieved. I was pleased when I received the request, I was happy to show people my rehab, how hard the path was and how many difficulties there were to overcome.
“Over time the project grew to include my family and my fiancée, Lucia, who were fundamental, being close to me in such a difficult moment in my career. It was nice to also show what they felt because everyone was used to seeing me on the pitch, not on crutches. My dad knew what it was all about, having already been through it himself, and as a consequence so did my mom. In fact, they were the first to give me strength. I remember a sentence from my mum who asked me whether I could have expected anything different, given that football is a contact sport.
“I obviously experienced the documentary firsthand, but I’ve also watched it twice, with Lucia and with my family.”
THAT NIGHT IN ROME
“I have received much worse tackles in my career than Smalling's, who in any case was intent on going for the ball - there was no malice in that tackle. Unfortunately these things happen. Only later did I understand how easy it is to suffer such injuries, as has happened for example to Rodrigo Bentancur, who I wish a speedy recovery. It’s just a matter of putting your foot down wrongly or being slightly off-balance. Sometimes you are on the receiving end of crunching tackles when you think you have broken something and instead nothing has happened, other times it is like what happened to me in Rome.”
FROM FLASHBACKS TO THINKING AHEAD
“In the first training sessions back with the team I kept thinking about the moment of the injury. The thought vanished when I found continuity, was called up to the squad and gradually returned to the field. The idea of "Back On Track" is to tell not only the story of recovering physically, but also mentally. I was lucky that my moment of bad luck happened to me here, at Juventus, where there is the best available in terms of professionals and the overall structure. During rehabilitation everything doesn't always go smoothly and being in an environment that is supportive should a problem arise is essential. A heartfelt thought of esteem and respect goes out to those players, perhaps in lower divisions, who suffer an injury like mine and make it back without the possibility of turning to the best care that Juve offers.”
Chiesa recalled, “My rehabilitation was a product of us all working together at all times and if you don't have great professionals nearby, you need three times the emotional strength to come through it.”
THE SUPPORT OF THE JUVE FANS...
“They helped me during the injury as they are still helping me now. It’s so satisfying, also because I think I've earned it, with the commitment I put in every day for this shirt. Every step has really been taken together with them."
