Zinedine Zidane admits there will be rumours about his return to Juventus as long as he’ll be a coach, while Edgar Davids warns players they must be ready to win or ‘take the luggage.’
Several Juventus legends celebrated 100 years of the Agnelli ownership at an event organised by the club in Turin on Tuesday night.
Many spoke from the stage and with Sky Sport Italia during the event which included a seven-a-side game.
During his interview with Sky Sport, Zidane said: “It’s nice to be here with these people and the Juventus family. It’s the best thing. It’s nice for us who have stopped playing football to see happy people. What’s more important than this?”
When asked about his plans for the future and whether he will ever return to Juventus, he replied: “I just enjoy the family, which is important, then we’ll see. There will be rumours as long as I am a coach.”
More Juventus legends spoke to the media last night, here’s what they said.
Alessandro Del Piero (Sky Sport): “It’s hard to explain emotions, it’s unique every time. We have shared 19 years in an incredibly passionate way. There is no football without fans so I’ll be forever grateful. When I arrived at Juventus there were many champions in the dressing room, from any point of view. To me, it was a dream to be there. I paid a lot of attention to their behaviour, it was important. Vialli was more than a leader, he would show you the path and give support. He was always there. Facts make the difference.”
From the stage: “I feel great emotion and joy and gratitude to the Agnelli family and all the players who have worn this shirt, same as the coaches and directors. It’s great to see all the fans again.”
Patrice Evra (Sky Sport): “To wear this shirt is something that makes you understand that playing for Juventus is something special. To see Platini, Zidane, Allegri is a privilege.
“You have to win when you play for Juventus. There was a transition period, so you need quality, experience, talent and personality. Right now, we must let young players develop and it’s not easy. But it could have been worse with all the mess around the club. There is pressure every day at Juventus, even in our time. But this pressure must be nice because it’s Juventus. Pogba? I know nothing, I’ll see him tonight, I don’t know what’s happening.”
Edgar Davids (Sky Sport): “It’s a big thing, this is my home. When I learned I could join Juve, it was great because they were second [in the table]. The group was very strong and it was a family. It was nice to talk to the members of the Agnelli family in a philosophical way. Football has changed, but I still love the fans.
In the Mixed zone: “They [players] have to know we are at Juventus and you have to win. It’s very simple. If you can’t do it, take the luggage [and leave].”
Paolo Montero, current Juventus Primavera coach (Sky Sport): “I am happy to have returned, today I am even happier because I reunited with my ex-teammates. We had a great group and this was proved today. I hadn’t seen Zidane for a while, now we are so happy to be together. I hadn’t thought about becoming a coach [when I retired], then I considered the idea and I did the course. I am happy to be in Turin, it’s a city I love and I hope to continue at Juventus.”
Gianluca Pessotto, current Juventus director (Sky Sport): “There is no Juventus without the Agnelli family. They would transmit the passion to all of us. We are proud of this night. I had the privilege to be part of that team for many years. It was the best thing and I am happy.”