Benedikt Howedes says “it’s an honour and a privilege” to join Juventus as they’re “one of the five biggest teams in the world”.
The German international officially joined the Bianconeri yesterday, on loan with option to buy, and he was presented to the media today.
“I think Juventus are one of the five biggest teams in the world, so it's a huge honour and privilege to be part of a team like this,” Howedes told the assembled media in his Press conference.
Benedikt Howedes says “it’s an honour and a privilege” to join Juventus as they’re “one of the five biggest teams in the world”.
The German international officially joined the Bianconeri yesterday, on loan with option to buy, and he was presented to the media today.
“I think Juventus are one of the five biggest teams in the world, so it's a huge honour and privilege to be part of a team like this,” Howedes told the assembled media in his Press conference.
“I think I can certainly have fantastic years here and I'll definitely try.
"The World Cup? Obviously you always have to think about the attention you'll get for the national team, and like everyone else who plays for Germany I have that goal, to be called-up for the World Cup.
"Here I can play at the highest level possible, I can play in the Champions League and so being at a big team helps me to be at my best.
"Sami Khedira? We spoke on WhatsApp today, and we've also spoken face-to-face. He's a very good interlocutor to help me understand how things work here.
"We've spoken about many aspects, like how to get around, what it's like here, what I can do in Turin doing my free time. We're always in touch.
"At the end of the day I want to have a good experience here in Turin, and there's no doubt that it's nice to have Sami by my side, someone who can give me great advice.
“I definitely consider myself a leader, I was captain of Schalke for six years.
"Even in the youth team I had the role of captain so ever since I was young I've been accustomed to being a leader. I have to adapt here and carve out my place in the squad.
"My first impressions have been very good, Serie A is a very, very professional league.
"Everyone in the squad and everyone at the club is super-professional, so I'm very happy to be here.
"As I said at the start of this Press conference, Juve are one of the biggest teams in the world and I always wanted to play abroad at some point.
“My shirt number? I chose 21 because it's been worn by some very big names, from Thuram to Dybala.
"It's an honour to wear the number 21 shirt, even though I have no personal connection to that number.”
It has been suggested Howedes could play at right-back, and the World Cup-winner is comfortable deputising there.
“I define myself as a versatile, multi-functional player. I can play in a three-man or four-man defence, and as a centre-back or full-back.
"I also played as a left-back during the World Cup, something I'd never done before.
"A lot of Coaches have appreciated the fact I can play in a lot of positions and I'm always available to do that. It'll be the same here too.
“The Champions League? I think you need a big slice of luck in football, but I can't say what's missing for Juventus because in the last three years they've reached the final twice.
"Most of the things here are right so I'm not going to talk about what Juventus have done wrong so far, we'll talk about Juventus' merits.
"I think these games are close and difficult, and sooner or later the Goddess of luck with be on Juve's side, and then we'll be able to lift the Champions League trophy.”