Ludovico Gatti, father of Juventus defender Federico, confirms his son rejected a Premier League transfer last summer.
Tuttosport reported earlier this week that Nottingham Forrest had made an attempt to sign the Bianconeri centre-back in the summer transfer window, but Juventus decided to keep Gatti in Turin.
The defender’s father, Ludovico, has confirmed that some Premier League clubs had shown interest in his son during the summer transfer window, but Gatti never considered leaving Turin.
“A couple of English clubs wanted him and I’ve always thought the Premier League would suit his style,” Gatti’s father told Tuttosport.
“However, he thinks differently. He’s always wanted Juventus only. He was right, in the end. He’s never liked transfers against his will, like when he was 14 and Torino sold him to Alessandria.”
Gatti has scored in two consecutive games for Juve, helping the Serie A giants beat Monza away and Napoli at home. Only three years ago, he was playing in Italy’s third division.
“He didn’t want to play football amatorially,” his father said.
“That’s why he would only work, play and sleep. Nothing more. He never relaxed and was always fighting with himself. He hoped football could change his life one day and he made it, so I can only admire him.
“He’s always had an out-of-the-ordinary desire, even when playing in Promozione (sixth division). He even considered moving to the USA or Malta to start from scratch and make a living with football.”
Gatti joined Juventus from Frosinone in the summer of 2022 and has now become a regular starter at the Allianz Stadium. He has recently signed a contract extension with the Serie A giants.
“When he signed the contract, director Cristiano Giuntoli said words I would never forget which left me speechless. I looked dull in front of him and at that moment, I fully understood the meaning of Federico’s journey,” the defender’s father concluded.
Gatti has scored three goals in 13 Serie A appearances this season.