Andrea Barzagli wishes he were younger to have more years with Juventus, while revealing their strength lies in teamwork.
The 34-year-old looks set to extend his contract for another year with the Bianconeri, though his age means he's unlikely to play for them much longer.
Andrea Barzagli wishes he were younger to have more years with Juventus, while revealing their strength lies in teamwork.
The 34-year-old looks set to extend his contract for another year with the Bianconeri, though his age means he's unlikely to play for them much longer.
“I'd like to be a few years younger, so I could stay for a longer time,” he told Tuttosport. “When I signed with Juventus, I thought it was the biggest opportunity in my career. I wish I'd had this chance earlier.
“I was hoping to join a big team after the 2006 World Cup, but it didn't happen. People didn't think I was at that level, or there simply wasn't an opening.
“When Juve came, I was the first to question myself to make sure I could compete at those high levels. I showed that I can. Sometimes I regret my age, because I wish I'd had more time in the heights.”
Barzagli was then asked what was more important for him, the fifth consecutive Scudetto or the record for the longest unbeaten defensive spell.
“I care about both things. Winning the fifth Scudetto would be extraordinary, and we're very close. We'll make the club's history and we hope to keep that up.
“Setting a new defensive record, after [goalkeeper Gianluigi] Buffon managed to beat the record for the longest time with clean sheets, would be the cherry on a superb season.
“I'm a defender and sometimes I'd like to have a few records of my own. It's a personal gratification, since we're always suffering at the back!
“Seriously though, when we say that the whole team defends, that's not just an expression. If you look at the games, it's self-evident.
“Of course, you need some strong players at the back, because a few crosses will inevitably break the barriers, and then it's a personal duel against the striker.
“We're a strong defence, and we get results regardless of who's playing. In addition, we have Buffon, who makes us feel safe.”