14 December 2017
Michela Franco describes her experience at Juventus so far as "so amazing that it’s hard to put into words" in an exclusive interview broadcast on Juventus TV.
"Even the medical was a great feeling – I was used to clubs where these kinds of facilities and this level of visibility just didn't exist, so it made a big impact," she explains. "I’m incredibly happy to be able to wear the Juventus jersey. I chose No.6, which I had previously worn elsewhere, but it is even more special here given that it was Gaetano Scirea’s number."
The level of support for the team has been one of the biggest shocks for Franco so far.
"There are loads of fans there, whatever stadium we’re playing at," she says. "Juventus have boosted the exposure of the women’s game and I hope that other clubs step up and believe in this sport too."
Franco has so far shown herself to be a player of great determination, one that is always ready to do her bit when called upon.
"I’m a gutsy player – I never give up and I always put in 100%," she says. "Rita Guarino is meticulous in her attention to detail so working with her is really helping me. She demands maximum focus from us on the pitch and encourages us to play simple passes and build the play from the back."
It’s been a great start to the season for Juventus Women, with yesterday’s Coppa Italia victory just the latest positive result for the team.
"I think the Brescia win was all-important," explains Franco. "It was a really tough game but we showed all our strength. It made us realise just how good a team we are."
Franco also urges her team-mates not to underestimate Saturday’s away match against Ravenna Women.
"Ravenna is a tough place to go," she says. "We know they need points because they’re down at the bottom of the table. Some good teams have dropped points there. We’ll need to be patient if we want to get the three points."
