Fabio Paratici claims working for Juventus ‘made me a better person and professional,’ looks back over Paulo Dybala gambles and hints he’s eager to get back to work quickly after a Tottenham offer.
He arrived in Turin 11 years ago, first as right-hand man to Beppe Marotta, then pushing his mentor out to take over as chief football officer.
His contract is due to expire on June 30 and they made a mutual decision to part ways, with Paratici now considering a new role at Tottenham Hotspur.
“It has been an honour,” said Paratici in a joint press conference with President Andrea Agnelli.
“If 11 years in anyone’s life is a lot, it’s an enormity in football. These were 11 marvellous years at a special club like Juventus. When leaving, you usually think of regrets or some ill feeling might emerge, but I’ve had none of that.
“Going through Juve means becoming a better professional and a better person,” continued Paratici, fighting back tears.
“I will work with other clubs and hope to find the same passion and love for what we do that I experienced here. I am thankful for the total autonomy I was granted and the chance to experiment, always with absolute confidence in me.
“There were many opportunities to walk away, but this is why I never considered them. I’ve been fortunate enough to watch the best players in history every day, to share my thoughts with players who are heroes for my son, like Carlos Tevez, Giorgio Chiellini, Gigi Buffon and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I learned so much from coaches like Gigi Delneri, Antonio Conte, Max Allegri, Maurizio Sarri and Andrea Pirlo. Juventus make you better and this is why I am proud, grateful and happy with what I did here.”
Paratici was asked if his biggest regret was the failure to exchange Paulo Dybala with Romelu Lukaku, as the Argentine turned down a Manchester United switch.
“No, in this work you need to be elastic and ready to change plans. Dybala is a great player who gave so much to Juventus. I am one of those who had the most responsibility bringing him here, it was a big investment, a big gamble, and I think probably the riskiest signing of my tenure.
“I think people will only really understand what we achieved in about 10 years’ time. I don’t mean just the titles, but the stadium, the training centre, the Women’s team and Under-23 side.
“Over 11 years, we had to make four or five very important decisions per month.”
Paratici has been heavily linked with the Tottenham Hotspur job, where he could reunite with former Juventus boss Conte. He was asked if he already has a new club lined up.
“I don’t think this is the right moment to talk about that. What I can say is that my family hopes I get straight back to work…
“Working at Juventus is a real education in terms of mentality and style. Obviously, you hope to learn something at every club, but I will certainly bring that with me in future.”