Federico Chiesa explains why he apologised to Juventus fans after scoring against Freiburg in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16.
The Italy international was introduced in the second half and scored his second goal this season in the stoppages. He was about to take his shirt off, but then he ran under the away end and appeared to apologise to Juventus supporters.
“I want to be here, I want to help the team and the club after what they’ve done for me,” Chiesa told Sky Sport Italia.
“Unfortunately, I did not do it in the last few years, I am not at my best after the problem I had. I am sorry for not being here, I want to give my best in every game. I apologised because I want to play and give joy to fans.”
Chiesa suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2022 and returned to action at the end of the year. He has now scored two goals in 16 appearances across all competitions this season. Chiesa missed Sunday’s 4-2 win against Sampdoria due to a minor muscle injury.
“My priority is to be available for the coach. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible in the last few games. I am working hard to be even more ready, but I still feel a little uncomfortable. Unfortunately, my father also suffered similar injuries.
“There are many obstacles, but even after the recovery the path continues.”
His teammate Dusan Vlahovic also found from the spot the net in a 2-0 victory, scoring his first goal in more than a month. VAR had ruled out his first goal a few minutes earlier.
“Dusan has everything to become a top player,” noted Chiesa.
“He is having a tough time in front of the goal, but he had already scored before the penalty kick tonight. The shoot wasn’t tidy, but he scored the penalty, against Samp it was perfect, but he missed it.”
Juventus secured a 3-0 win on aggregate, progressing to the Europa League quarter-finals.