Medhi Benatia said he wanted Juventus a year ago and is happy to “challenge myself against the monsters” in defence.
The centre-back arrived on loan from Bayern Munich for €3m with an option to buy for a further €17m in May 2017.
“I was given a very warm welcome from fans, players and the club,” said Benatia in a Press conference.
Medhi Benatia said he wanted Juventus a year ago and is happy to “challenge myself against the monsters” in defence.
The centre-back arrived on loan from Bayern Munich for €3m with an option to buy for a further €17m in May 2017.
“I was given a very warm welcome from fans, players and the club,” said Benatia in a Press conference.
“Everyone told me that Juve have an important project to keep winning and not just in Italy. It is the objective to be competitive internationally and win the Champions League after many years.
“I have to get back to work to start this new adventure and keep winning.”
Last term Juventus went out of the Champions League to Benatia’s Bayern Munich.
“It was a shame to play such a great tie in the Round of 16, as both Bayern and Juve deserved to be in the Final. It was tough, the year before they reached the Final against Barcelona. The objective for Juve is to stay at the top with the biggest clubs and win.
“Bayern is a big club with many champions. I had two difficult years with a few too many injuries, while it was already known I wanted to come back to Italy for my family, the lifestyle and the football. I am closer to the Italian mentality than German, so Juve were a natural choice.
“I had already asked Bayern and Rummenigge to be sold a year ago, but Bayern refused and I had to remain for another year. I had contact with Juve over the last three weeks, I had other options, but I am very happy with this choice.
“I could’ve avoided the competition for places and return to Udinese, but I want to challenge myself. It’s amazing to be alongside these three monsters, Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini, while Rugani is also very strong.
“I will try my hardest whenever called upon and respect the choices of the Coach. I prefer to play in a four-man defence, as that is more natural to me, but at Udinese I did play in three, so I am at the disposal of the Coach.”
Benatia is given a reunion with his old Roma teammate Miralem Pjanic in Turin.
“I chose shirt Number 4. The little prince Pjanic picked 5 a week ago, while it was worn by that great defender Paulo Montero in the past.
“Pjanic said to me ‘finally you’re here!’ Miralem is a great friend, we were roommates at Roma and stayed together in training too. I am happy to see him again, he’s a great player and will certainly be important for Juventus.”