Alex Sandro admitted he’ll get ‘tearful’ when looking back at his career with Juventus, reflecting on the various highs and his relationship with Massimiliano Allegri.
The 33-year-old Brazilian full back has been with the Old Lady since August 2015, joining from Porto for around €28m. Since then, he’s gone on to make 324 appearances across all competitions, scoring 15 goals and providing 32 assists.
Alex Sandro has helped Juventus win five Scudetti, four Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana titles. With just over two months left on his contract in Turin, he is widely expected to leave on a free transfer in the summer, closing out a successful nine-year spell in the Piedmont capital.
Alex Sandro looks back
Speaking to Lega Serie A via TMW, Alex Sandro first discussed how he felt when learning about Juventus’ offer back in 2015.
“When Juventus’ offer came, I got shivers, the dream of playing for one of the biggest teams in the world.”
He was asked what the seven trophies won during his time at the club mean.
“Seven trophies, it’s definitely the first where it all began. Today when I talk to the kids, I always say that the most important thing isn’t the trophies. In life there are all the people I’ve met and worked with.
“The day I leave I won’t just leave the trophies, but my friends, teammates, coaches, warehouse workers, physiotherapists, doctors, everyone. The biggest trophy I have in Juventus is all of this.”
Alex Sandro looked back at his first Juventus goal.
“The first goal in a Juventus shirt is always the most special and important. Dani Alves’ low cross, I controlled it and shot left-footed and looked like Hadrian, the Emperor.”
He spoke about his relationship with Allegri over the years.
“He’s a very important figure in my career, not only as a footballer, but also as a person. I learned a lot with him, on and off the pitch. He’s a person who always wants the best, not only from the players, but from people.
“Every now and then he says that making mistakes is normal, but he wants to see people who want to do things, who make mistakes by wanting to do things. He respects that, the value of people before the player. I admire him so much for these things.”
Finally, Alex Sandro was asked about his future with Juventus.
“My family and I know that the moment of farewell or goodbye will come, we don’t know when. There are many stories, there are many moments, it’s difficult to imagine my life without Juventus.
“When I talk about Juventus, I will always have glossy eyes (tearful, ed.). I had a great time, and I will always have Juventus in my heart.”