Danilo says he joined Juventus at the right moment of his career and praises Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola: ‘Playing under him is like attending a coaching course.’
The Brazil international moved to Turin from Manchester City in a swap deal with Joao Cancelo in 2019. He has been working with three different coaches at Juventus: Maurizio Sarri, Andrea Pirlo and Massimiliano Allegri.
Danilo’s career began at America Futebol Clube. He also played at Santos with Neymar before joining Porto in 2011.
“There’s an old story about him [Neymar] and a game against Atletico Paranaense. He had gone to sleep at four in the morning, but we won the game 4-0. He scored all the goals plus two disallowed for off-side,” Danilo told DAZN.
“When I started playing football and my friends were going out they would always ask me: ‘Come with us, we are all going.’ My mum wouldn’t let me go, saying: ‘You are not like the others.’ She was right, I had to focus on my career.
“I thought I’d play only for one team, but this journey has taken me to Juventus at the right moment of my career.”
Danilo joined Manchester City from Real Madrid in 2017 and spent two seasons at the Etihad Stadium working under Pep Guardiola.
“I liked my life in England. Once in a while, people stopped me saying: ‘Hey, you are Danilo.’ I was like: ‘Yes, shall we take a coffee?’ People think that we footballers have a different life, but I like to remain grounded.
“Players who are lucky enough to work with Guardiola make the most if they are smart. It’s like attending a coaching course.”
The 30-year-old sees his Juventus contract expire in June 2024. Has he already thought about what he’ll do once he hangs his boots?
“In the first year, I’ll go back to Bicas,” he said.
“I’ll go fishing. We have created a big lake at home, putting in the fish that we like.”