Arthur Melo opened up about his recent difficulties, his year in England with Liverpool and his plans for the future after his return to Juventus.
The 26-year-old midfielder spent last season on loan with the Reds, but hardly made a splash as injuries kept him sidelined for the majority of the campaign.
Arthur is now back in Turin but is not part of Massimiliano Allegri’s project at Juventus, so the club are looking to find a new home for the Brazilian midfielder.
Speaking to Sport via Gianluca Di Marzio, Arthur first touched on his mindset heading into the new season.
“I am in my best moment. I am already very well physically and mentally for this new season, which is very important for me and I can’t wait for it to start.”
He reflected on his year on loan at Liverpool.
“Both Klopp and my teammates helped me a lot in a difficult moment and that is what I take with me.
“And in the Premier League the first word that comes to mind is intensity, incredible, and I was lucky to be there. That’s what marked me the most when I arrived.”
The Brazilian midfielder looked back at his career in recent years and how his experiences have helped him grow.
“I learnt a lot from the past. I think I had difficult moments, but I managed to make the best of them. I see myself more mature, more prepared, I’m better physically.
“I worked on the mental part, which is also very important. I think this is my best moment, more experienced, more mature, better physically, better mentally.
“I want to return to my highest level, and I know I can do it. My head is very focused, and I really want to achieve all my goals.”
With two years left on his contract at Juventus, Arthur looked ahead to the next steps.
“Of course, everyone has plans, victories with the club and the Brazilian national team… But I am more focused on the short term.”
Finally, Arthur discussed the idea of returning to Xavi’s Barcelona in the near future.
“I like him as a coach, he has done an incredible job. He has recovered the image of Barcelona, he knows what the Catalans like. The beautiful game, the ball possession, the aggression.
“I admired him as a player, and I admire him as a coach. I didn’t have the opportunity to play with him, but as a coach I would like him very much.”