Mattia Perin feels ‘incredible energy’ at Juventus and reveals he’s in talks to extend his contract with the Bianconeri.
The 31-year-old spoke to reporters at a pre-match press conference on Monday on the eve of a Champions League game against Stuttgart.
His contract expires in June, but the Italian keeper seems close to extending his stay at the Allianz Stadium.
“We are talking about a contract extension. We’ll see what happens. There’s a desire to continue and there will be news in the coming days,” he said, via Ilbianconero.com.
Juventus have only conceded one goal in eight Serie A games this term.
“Everyone must be involved. The first defenders are the strikers. It’s about attitude,” said Perin.
“Everyone fights and helps each other, so we avoid conceding. We are doing well, and we must continue with this attitude. I feel protected, and we are building a solid mentality. There’s ample room for improvement.
“I dreamed about playing in the Champions League. If I had a desire, it was to play at least one game. Ambitions change when you grow up, but you always need the motivation to improve,” continued the goalkeeper.
“The energy changes [in the Champions League]. Serie A is spectacular, but the Champions League lights up something inside me, talking to the kid who dreamed of playing it.
Perin reveals Juventus contract extension talks
“The game against Leipzig set the standard. It gave us an awareness that we didn’t have. When we are connected, we create incredible chemistry and energy. It all depends on us. We must continue working like this, knowing and integrating the new guys and increasing the performance level.”
The Italian keeper will start against Stuttgart tomorrow.
“I don’t feel like a second-choice keeper,” he insisted.
“The coach makes his decisions, and we must do our best to make them difficult for him. We have 23 potential starters here. I think this is where football is going. We indeed play many games, but if there’s competition and desire to improve, one player won’t need to play 60 games but 35-40, and another one gets 20.
“I’m building an excellent rapport with Di Gregorio. There’s a healthy competition. I can’t wait to go to the pitch because there is a transparent competition. It’s one of the reasons why you play football.”