Gonzalo Higuain says he joined Juventus to win the Champions League and believes the Bianconeri are capable of lifting the European cup this season.
Higuain controversially left Napoli for Juve in an Italian-record €90m transfer last summer, but the striker made it clear he did not feel the Partenopei could match his ambition, whereas the Old Lady had what it took to make his “dream” come true, starting against Barcelona on Tuesday.
Gonzalo Higuain says he joined Juventus to win the Champions League and believes the Bianconeri are capable of lifting the European cup this season.
Higuain controversially left Napoli for Juve in an Italian-record €90m transfer last summer, but the striker made it clear he did not feel the Partenopei could match his ambition, whereas the Old Lady had what it took to make his “dream” come true, starting against Barcelona on Tuesday.
“When Juventus signed me, having met my release clause, it was a tough decision,” the former Real Madrid striker told UEFA.com.
“I’ve explained the reason many times – and I'm very happy with the decision I made.
“I’ve met good people with that winning mentality and I think that’s what's kept Juve at the top for so long. Joining such a successful club was part of the challenge I wanted: I came to help the club continue on that path.
“Italian football is very tough – it always has been – whereas Spanish football is more open. The Italian national team have always had that aggressive style, with players that love to battle and have good technique.
“Games are harder here and there aren't as many high-scoring matches as in Spain. More hard work goes into the defensive side.
“Barca? Football is so changeable, and a team that everyone thought was knocked out went through to the quarters.
“They’ll be full of confidence. Barca had an off-day [in Paris] and I don't think they’ll have another quite like that.
“We have home advantage first and want to get a good result to give ourselves a real chance in Barcelona. We won't be able to take our foot off the gas, not even for a split-second.
“Can Juve win the CL this season? I hope so. That’s why I came here. We’re also going for our sixth consecutive Scudetto and the Coppa Italia, all big targets.
“Winning six Scudettos in a row would be unprecedented; likewise winning the Coppa Italia for a third straight year would also be something no other team has achieved.
“Of course, the Champions League is a dream we want to make reality, but we can’t discount the other two.”