New Chievo signing Simone Pepe says his time at Juventus was ‘a privilege’ and speaks about the ‘terrible’ feeling of losing the Champions League final.
The winger left the Old Lady this summer after five years and four Scudetti in Turin, and praised the fans for supporting him despite the fact that ‘I’m not a champion’.
The 32-year-old will face his old club this Saturday, when top of the table Chievo face a Bianconeri side that is yet to pick up any points after two rounds.
New Chievo signing Simone Pepe says his time at Juventus was ‘a privilege’ and speaks about the ‘terrible’ feeling of losing the Champions League final.
The winger left the Old Lady this summer after five years and four Scudetti in Turin, and praised the fans for supporting him despite the fact that ‘I’m not a champion’.
The 32-year-old will face his old club this Saturday, when top of the table Chievo face a Bianconeri side that is yet to pick up any points after two rounds.
“I won’t have a laugh at my ex-teammates’ expense on Saturday, because I know this is a difficult time for them,” Pepe said to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I spoke with Bonucci, Chiellini and Barzagli and I’m sure they will regroup. On Saturday evening, whatever happens, I’ll go for dinner with my former colleagues.
“I’ve suffered a lot by not playing much, but I’ve tried to look forward and my positivity has helped me.
“Andrea Agnelli sent me a text after I joined Chievo. With us he’s always been like a big brother. What we achieved in these four years is the fruit of a winning mentality – to Juve, a draw is like a defeat.
“Playing for Juve is a privilege, I knew that it wouldn’t be easy and you don’t expect to play there.
“The first year we finished seventh, with Conte we got back up and made a real accomplishment – an impossible Scudetto. That was the greatest triumph, as it was unexpected.
“It isn’t for me to judge how much the departures will weigh on Juve, but I think that in order to win you need a base of Italian players – we are the only people who feel sick when we lose. Too many Italians have left, but there’s still Buffon, Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci and Marchisio.
“Getting to the Champions League final was a dream come true, but the day after was terrible. At the end of the match we were demoralised as it was an occasion that for many, me included, would never come again.
“The love of the fans made me even more proud because I’m not a champion. My Juve had five or six champions (Tevez, Vidal, Pirlo, Buffon and Barzagli) and a lot of great players. I won the support of the fans by giving everything on the pitch.”