Stefano Castelnovo, the agent of Manuel Locatelli, reflected on his client’s move to Juventus, the trust shown by Massimiliano Allegri and the midfielder’s future.
The 25-year-old Italian officially joined the Bianconeri in the summer after a two-year loan move from Sassuolo, where he emerged as one of the up-and-coming prospects in Serie A.
Locatelli took a while to adapt in Turin but has since grown into one of the key players in Allegri’s Juventus squad, playing almost every available minute this season. He scored the decisive goal in the 1-0 win over Milan on Sunday.
Speaking on pages two to seven of today’s Tuttosport, Castelnovo first discussed the emotional impact of Locatelli’s winning goal against Milan.
“In between there is a seven-year path of growth. It was a great feeling to score on Sunday. I didn’t comment on the tears, also because I don’t think there was much to say about his state of mind.
“After the match we said to each other that life is really as incredible as football in its trajectories. Manuel deserved such joy.”
The agent reflected on his client’s goal and how he pulled it off at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
“After Milan went down to 10, he had a lot more space than he generally has and was able to play 10-15 metres further forward.
“This gave him the opportunity to get closer to the goal and, when he can do that, Manuel certainly has in his repertoire the ability to kick well from distance and score with both feet.
“Playing in front of the defence, however, he must pay great attention to the defensive phase, where he also showed his ability to excel with nine balls recovered against Milan.”
He spoke about the trust shown by coach Allegri.
“Allegri has always shown him great trust. Locatelli, after playing as a two-man midfielder for many years, has been able to interpret in the best possible way the new role requested by the coach, where he gives great balance to the team by helping the centre-backs in the defensive phase.”
Castelnovo also commented on Locatelli’s return to the Italy national team.
“Thanks to Spalletti. Manuel has always cared so much about the Azzurri shirt, and it was his goal to return to the front line with Italy. I’m happy that he succeeded.”
He reflected on the transfer from Sassuolo to Juventus.
“It was certainly a long and tortuous negotiation. There were many complicated moments, but in the end, we managed to resolve it positively.
“There were very important foreign clubs interested in Locatelli, but Manuel always had clear ideas: he wanted to wear the Juventus shirt.
“It was not easy to complete such an important economic transaction in the post-Covid year, but in the end, we managed it.”
He was asked if his client was close to leaving the Bianconeri in the summer.
“The possibility of leaving was never concrete. He has always wanted to stay at Juventus and has never considered other destinations.”
Finally, Castelnovo discussed the idea of signing a new contract with the club.
“There is the will of both parties to continue together. Then with due time we’ll try to get this thing done.”