Fabio Quagliarella, who could be back in four months, insists his injury shouldn't be used as an excuse for Juventus' 3-0 defeat at Napoli.
Juve crumbled without their talismanic forward at the San Paolo yesterday when an Edinson Cavani hat-trick condemned the Old Lady to a second straight defeat.
"Nothing would have changed with me on the pitch," he said. "I don't think one player can make all the difference.
Fabio Quagliarella, who could be back in four months, insists his injury shouldn't be used as an excuse for Juventus' 3-0 defeat at Napoli.
Juve crumbled without their talismanic forward at the San Paolo yesterday when an Edinson Cavani hat-trick condemned the Old Lady to a second straight defeat.
"Nothing would have changed with me on the pitch," he said. "I don't think one player can make all the difference.
"It was a game that I didn't want to miss, it was a special match for me and I wanted to return to that stadium but destiny didn't allow it."
The Neapolitan joined Juventus on loan from Napoli at the start of the season, but he now could be out for the rest of term following knee surgery.
"Yesterday I started a stage where the objective is to recover well and as soon as possible," he continued.
"I'm now more optimistic. I know that things went well and I'm no longer in pain. I think I'll stay in the clinic until Thursday and then we'll see.
"I asked when I could be playing again and I was told four months even if everyone is different. Let's see how the knee reacts."
The Italian international also thanked those who had sent him messages of support over the last few traumatic days.
"I received a lot of text messages. I thank my Juventus teammates, some Napoli ones too, my international colleagues and a few Coaches.
"All their messages were very pleasing."