Peluso: Honour to be here

Federico Peluso has expressed his contentment to stay at Juventus and the team’s desire to continue their League form.

The full-back, who turned 30 on Monday, faced the Press today and was inevitably asked of continuing speculation linking him with a move away from the Bianconeri.

Federico Peluso has expressed his contentment to stay at Juventus and the team’s desire to continue their League form.

The full-back, who turned 30 on Monday, faced the Press today and was inevitably asked of continuing speculation linking him with a move away from the Bianconeri.

“This is the strongest club in Italy and also one of the best in Europe, so it is an honour for me to be here,” replied Peluso.

“Obviously I want to play, we’re all here to play but I train hard and will try to play as much as possible.

“The Coach, from the first day I arrived, has always made it clear – he treats everyone the same. It has not been a surprise if I have played or not. Everyone feels they can start. Then it is clear that there are those who play more and those who play less, in football that is the case.

“But the Coach trains with everyone the same and makes us all feel important.

“Conte has cemented relationships with his players. He was a great player and gives you great confidence ahead of matches.

“He ensures that he treats everyone equally and tries to get the best out of every player.”

This weekend sees Juve look to continue their club record winning streak away to Lazio. The Bianconeri will be back at the Olimpico just four days after being knocked out by Roma in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.

“We expect a tough game as Lazio are in good form, but we have to look at ourselves as we have always done and start from where we left off seven days ago.”

 “[The Cup tie with Roma] was certainly a good contest, as least to play in, because there was a great atmosphere with the Olimpico full.

“Although it was not one of our best games, we were penalised a little, but we must understand where we went wrong and start afresh.

“Roma are definitely a very good team as they showed in the Coppa Italia but of course we now have a good margin [in Serie A], we are doing extraordinary things in the League and want to continue on this path. They will want to chase, but we hope to go faster than them.

“The Europa League is a challenging adventure because we could go through but there are a lot of games to get to the final.

“It is an important goal especially as the final is in our home stadium so we hope to reach it.”