27 June 2013
Carlos Tévez expressed his pride at joining “one of the biggest clubs in the world” after putting the finishing touches on a permanent move to Juventus.
The 29-year-old, addressing a worldwide audience via an exclusive live streaming service on Juventus.com, insisted there was never any doubt as to his eventual destination once the phone call arrived from Juventus.
Speaking to reporters at Juventus Stadium, Tévez began: “Juventus are a great club and this is just one of the reasons why I came here. But above all they’re a unique club who showed how much they wanted me, there was a clear dialogue with myself and my collaborators.
“Andrea Agnelli, Giuseppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici have always demonstrated their desire to bring me to Turin. I’m delighted to be here at Juventus.”
On his departure from Manchester, Tévez added: “I spoke to Manuel Pellegrini as soon as he arrived at City. I told him I considered my time at the club to be over. He said that was fine by him and there weren’t any problems in allowing me to leave. I would like to thank City and all their fans for the four years spent together.”
After being handed the iconic number 10 jersey during yesterday’s meeting with Agnelli and Marotta, Tévez was quick to acknowledge the responsibility that comes with wearing such an illustrious shirt, but insisted it is a challenge he will relish with the utmost respect for its previous owners.
“The responsibility is something I already experienced at Boca Juniors when they gave me Maradona’s number 10. Juve’s number 10 has been worn by great champions in the past, such as Del Piero, who was the captain and symbol of this team. It will be an honour for me to continue this tradition.”
The prolific frontman, who won the Champions League in 2008 with Manchester United, hopes his wealth of experience and unquestionable qualities will enable the club to push for a third consecutive Scudetto and scale new heights in Europe.
“Four years ago, I chose to move to Manchester City because of the targets they were aiming for. I wanted to play in the Champions League and help the team win a league title after a long absence.
“I’ve noted the same ambitions at Juventus. They want to keep finishing first in Italy, as they’ve done over the past two years, and aspire to win the Champions League. This made my decision easier.
“During these two years, Juventus have shown themselves to be a great team. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll try and bring my experience and quality. The side features great champions such as Buffon and Pirlo, with whom I’m sure it will be very easy to play alongside.
“What interests me the most, however, is the team itself. That’s why I’m not thinking about topping the goalscoring charts. If the team play well and win, it will be easier for me to achieve personal goals."
Having lit up the Argentinean, Brazilian and English leagues with his impressive array of skills and all-action style, Italy is now Tévez’s next port of call.
“I’ve always wanted to play here. It’s one of the toughest leagues and I’m motivated by the challenge. I’ll need to get used to the rhythm of the game over here and pre-season will be the ideal period in which to adjust.”
Yesterday’s news of the South American’s arrival in Turin spread like wildfire, prompting hundreds of jubilant supporters to congregate outside the club’s city centre headquarters to grant their new hero an enthusiastic welcome.
“The fans immediately showed me a great deal of affection and I’d like to thank them for the reception. Juventus are a great team and I know their fans are very passionate. But to tell you the truth, this kind of passion doesn’t surprise me, Italians are very similar to Argentineans in this respect.”
Ending with a message for his adoring public, Tévez concluded: “I promise I’ll give everything on the field of play and make every effort to ensure that Juventus keep winning.”
