Juventus striker Moise Kean has revealed that he did not always enjoy a particularly straightforward relationship with former teammate Mario Mandzukic, explaining: ‘he didn’t speak to me, but when he did it was to insult me.’
Kean was a recent guest on the 19F podcast, where he discussed the dynamics of the Juve dressing room and shared some stories about his teammates past and present.
While discussing Mandzukic, Kean suggested that his character is similar in profile to former Milan, Inter and Juve striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Kean said that Mandzukic was often a quiet character, but when he did speak, it could often be quite ruthless.
“In the world of sport, somebody who left a lasting impression was Mandzukic,” Kean told the podcast, reported by Il Corriere dello Sport. “He has more or less the same characteristics as Ibrahimovic. He doesn’t speak much.”
Kean continued: “He didn’t speak to me, if he did, it was only to insult me.
“Once, when I was 15, I trained with the first team. They moved me into their dressing room. I was sat near him and he asked me what I was doing there.
“I’m trying to be like you,” Kean responded. Mandzukic then supposedly responded: “Listen, you’re trying out today, but tomorrow you’ll be back (with the juniors).”
Fortunately for Kean, he was able to make an impression with the Juventus decision makers, and has now made 76 Serie A appearances for the Bianconeri since making his debut in 2016.
That’s not an insult