Andrea Barzagli “doesn’t feel like the world’s best defender”, but sees that as motivation to improve.
The Juventus centre-back today signed a new deal which will keep him at the club until after his 37th birthday, and it was put to him in the Press conference that he may be the best defender in circulation.
“It’s nice to be thought of that way,” Barzagli acknowledged.
Andrea Barzagli “doesn’t feel like the world’s best defender”, but sees that as motivation to improve.
The Juventus centre-back today signed a new deal which will keep him at the club until after his 37th birthday, and it was put to him in the Press conference that he may be the best defender in circulation.
“It’s nice to be thought of that way,” Barzagli acknowledged.
“I don’t feel like, and I’ve never felt like the [world’s] strongest defender. That’s just all the more reason to become that, and to keep improving.
“Even at this age I feel like I have room to improve, so I always try to stay in top shape so can remain at high levels.
“I also learn from my teammates, and from my opponents when I watch them on TV. I enjoy it. I think I can continue to grow at this age, and I want to prove it on the pitch.”
Barzagli also spoke of his pride at extending his contract with the Bianconeri until 2018.
“I’m really proud and excited today, because this is what I wanted. Above all I wanted to play for a prestigious club like Juve, so when I got here five-and-a-half years ago I came with maximum concentration, but also nerves at having to deal with such a big stadium and fanbase.
“Now it’s been five years, we’ve won a lot and we want to continue to do that. I’m very happy with this two year renewal and I can’t wait to start again on Sunday, I can’t wait for the Coppa Italia final and I can’t wait to do it all again next year.
“So I thank the President [Andrea Agnelli] for his beautiful words about me, I thank the club, the directors and everyone who works here.”
As with Gianluigi Buffon, the defender was asked about the Italian core in Turin.
“I think it’s important to point out that while there’s definitely a hard-core, the players who have come in have also started like us, and that’s made the difference.
“We Italians understand what it means to wear this shirt, what it means to win in this shirt and what the Scudetto means.”