Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo says he learned a lot at Liverpool but admits he may not remain in Turin and that Barcelona‘s playing style suits him.
The Brazilian midfielder has returned to the Allianz Stadium after a one-year loan at Liverpool. The Reds didn’t make his move permanent in June as Arthur struggled with injuries at Anfield.
“I think I was a bit unlucky, but that is in the past and I feel much better than then. I really want to play again and seek my highest level as a player,” the 26-year-old told Mundo Deportivo.
“I went through difficult times, but it was very important for me to have the support of everyone, from the coach, Jurgen Klopp, and the entire coaching staff, to my teammates. The dressing room helped me a lot in a difficult moment.
“I think I’ve learned a lot. When you leave your comfort zone you learn even more. You have to evolve in some way, and the injury has helped me do so.”
Arthur joined Juventus from Barcelona in 2020. On paper, it was part of a swap deal involving Miralem Pjanic, but the registered fee for his transfer was circa €80m, so his current amortised value in Turin is €31m.
He is not on Massimiliano Allegri’s plans and he’s expected to leave Juventus again this summer. When asked if he’d like to return to Barcelona, he replied: “In the world of football, anything can happen. I have lived very nice moments here and their style of play suits me.
“I talk a lot with Frenkie De Jong and also with ‘Busi’ [Sergio Busquets] and with Jordi Alba, who have just left. They are great friends. I have always tried to watch their matches because I like this style of play.”
His contract in Turin runs out in 2025.
“I will return to Turin, but the transfer window is very long and we don’t know what will happen,” Arthur admitted.
“Something interesting may come up for me and Juventus. I have a contract and I respect it, but we’ll see.”
Arthur also spoke about his rapport with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus.
“As an athlete and as a person, he is spectacular. He tries to improve every day. I remember that when we met at Juventus, in the dining room, he always looked at the rest of our plates and joked about what we were eating. He is very professional. I had never seen someone with his mentality before.”
Arthur has played in Spain, England and Italy and believes La Liga is the league that suits him more.
“Teams rely more on possession and play more technical football. But I have learned a lot in all three leagues. In Italy, I learned a lot tactically and I also improved physically. And in England, the intensity is incredible, the game doesn’t stop for a second.”
Where does he see himself in three years?
“Back in the Brazilian national team and with regular playing time in some important team. The first step is to get it right now and stay focused. If I do this, I will be reaping the results within three years.”