Juventus winger Federico Bernardeschi says he is now ‘a man and a complete player’ and that he feels like a leader.
Bernardeschi has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Juve, particularly catching the eye during their comeback victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16.
“Juve make you grow, but only if you’re able to receive the messages they send you,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Juventus winger Federico Bernardeschi says he is now ‘a man and a complete player’ and that he feels like a leader.
Bernardeschi has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Juve, particularly catching the eye during their comeback victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16.
“Juve make you grow, but only if you’re able to receive the messages they send you,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Now I’m a man and a complete player, but I’m not stopping here. At the age of 16 I didn’t grow physically, my teammates were men and I was still a boy.
“It was the most difficult phase of my career, but it was there I learned that every day you suffer to reach a small objective.
“However, when you succeed, you must enjoy it before raising the bar again. A leader must be intelligent, conscious, mentally strong and set an example every day.
“This season I’ve made a leap in quality, of which I’m very proud. They’re processes of life, moments of growth and maturation: it’s there when you really change.”
Cristiano Ronaldo became the 25-year-old’s teammate last summer, and he was full of praise for the No 7.
“Cristiano gave something extra to everyone he’s come into contact with: a champion in the dressing room also brings their history and what they’ve won.
“Even just by seeing him train, you learn things to put in your locker. I prefer to play against him in practice because it’s easier together: as an opponent, instead, you challenge yourself.
“Ronaldo can cast a shadow or be a stimulus: I took the second route, silently trying to grab everything I saw. I’m happy with the good relationship we have.”
Bianconeri boss Max Allegri is known for his hands-on approach, so what does his fellow Tuscan make of it?
“He bosses everyone around and makes a mess…
“I know I have to do better mentally and I know he does it because he values me a lot and thinks I can give more.
“I like it when he talks to me in training: sometimes he jokes with me in Livorno dialect.
“Us Tuscans understand each other, but we talk constructively in private.”