28 July 2016
“I chose this team above all because they are an excellent side with a very exciting project. I’m humbled by the efforts made by the club to bring me here and I’m looking forward to a successful season.”
Gonzalo Higuain’s first words as a Juventus player gave as good a summary as any written in the build-up to the Argentine’s eagerly awaited arrival in Turin as to his desires for joining the reigning Italian champions.
On the back of a record-breaking goal tally last time out, Higuain now has his sights set on silverware and demonstrating his worth to his new supporters, who gathered in staggering numbers to welcome him on Wednesday afternoon.
“Everyone knows what Juve are all about,” the number 9 began at a packed press room at Juventus Stadium. “The whole setup here is based on winning and they are used to doing so. This club is built for success. I can’t wait to see what I can achieve here and to make the most of this opportunity.
“I hope to repay the faith of the club’s directors and of course to demonstrate my value in the coming season with Juventus. The efforts to bring me here were truly humbling and it is up to me to show my worth to my new fans."
Also key to convincing the 28-year-old that his was a black and white future were the ongoing efforts of the Old Lady in the transfer market that have already yielded the arrivals of other big name signings such as Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves, Marko Pjaca and Medhi Benatia.
“The ambition shown over the summer was an important factor for me,” he continued. “Combined with the desire of the players already here, this was an offer I could not refuse. The depth of this squad is one of its greatest strengths and the competition for places all over the field is a massive advantage for us."
Having received a warm welcome from new team-mates Alves, Mario Mandzukic, Claudio Marchisio and Stephan Lichtsteiner this morning, Higuain was also treated to a video message by compatriot Paulo Dybala, a sign of an already burgeoning relationship on and off the field.
“I've enjoyed linking up with Paulo on international duty and really appreciated the video he sent to welcome me! He is a fantastic player and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together, hoping we can move the club forward in the coming years.”
The final word however would not be reserved for individuals but for the collective qualities required for any winning team. With Higuain among their ranks, the Bianconeri can now count on one of the most prolific forwards in the European game to continue firing them to the top.
He concluded, “Successful sides are founded on the combined performances of the entire side and, with the options we have here, ours is an excellent position to be in.”
