Juventus defender Danilo suggests he will soon sign a contract extension at the Allianz Stadium but notes that he hasn’t had ‘a regular season’ since joining the Bianconeri in 2019.
The versatile Brazilian defender sees his contract expire in less than 18 months but is expected to put pen to paper on a new agreement soon.
“We both want to continue together, there is a good rapport and in the next few days, there will be important updates,” the ex-Man City and Real Madrid defender told Tuttosport.
“What’s peculiar about this club is the culture of work. Every day you must be willing to improve, knowing that what you’ve done until that moment is not enough,” he continued.
“I haven’t had many regular seasons since I arrived. First, there was COVID, and now the penalty. It wasn’t easy to accept this situation, but we have understood we could do nothing.
“The only thing we could do was to go on the pitch and give our best in every game. It wasn’t easy, but it’s February and there is time to do well. We are still in Coppa Italia and Europa League, anything can happen.”
Juventus have been docked 15 points for the current campaign due to financial irregularities. Danilo scored the equaliser against Atalanta in the first match after the points deduction was announced last month. He was the Old Lady’s captain in that game played in Turin.
“To me, it’s an honour to have the armband,” he said.
“It’s not only about talking to teammates before the game but also having time to help them and talk to the staff. It’s something I’ve always done.”
What is he planning to do after retirement?
“I still don’t know, I think in the first year I will be back in Brazil for a long holiday and spend time with family and friends.
“If I continue on football, I’ll be a coach, I like the idea of organising players on the pitch, and then I will start studying psychology at University. I don’t know if I will become a psychologist, but I’ll study to do so.
“I see myself in Allegri’s mentality, he never gives up and always motivates us even on the worst days.”
The 31-year-old was part of Brazil’s squad in Qatar and Carlo Ancelotti has been heavily linked with the Seleçao job after Tite’s sacking. Does Danilo expect to work with the Italian tactician in Brazil soon?
“Let’s see. Ancelotti wanted me at Real Madrid, but he was no longer the coach when I arrived,” said the Juventus defender.
“We deserved to beat Croatia at the World Cup, even if the performance was not excellent. I am optimistic about the future because new generations can see big players play in top clubs.”
Danilo joined Juventus from Manchester City in 2019 in a swap deal involving Joao Cancelo. He has scored seven goals in 138 appearances with the Old Lady.