Empoli defender Daniele Rugani says he is ‘honoured’ to have been bought outright by Juventus.
It was announced yesterday that the Bianconeri had bought out the Tuscan club’s half of the co-ownership deal the clubs had on the player, and Rugani has spoken of his pride.
“I feel strong emotion, I’m honoured by this recognition,” the 20-year-old told Tuttosport.
Empoli defender Daniele Rugani says he is ‘honoured’ to have been bought outright by Juventus.
It was announced yesterday that the Bianconeri had bought out the Tuscan club’s half of the co-ownership deal the clubs had on the player, and Rugani has spoken of his pride.
“I feel strong emotion, I’m honoured by this recognition,” the 20-year-old told Tuttosport.
“I will always keep that feeling in my heart, and it will give me the boost I need. It’s a feeling of pride and satisfaction, as well as joy because I’ve been a Juventino since I was a kid.
“However, now I have to stay focused on the present: staying up with Empoli, and the European Under-21 Championships.
I’ve still got everything to prove, starting with showing that Juve weren’t wrong to take up their option to buy me.”
Rugani came up through the Old Lady’s youth teams, and had already trained with the first team a few times before moving to Empoli, and the defender believes that was invaluable.
“It’s a great memory, I took inspiration from all of them, because they’re all champions.
“Of course, I looked toward the defenders more: [Giorgio] Chiellini for the way to mark, [Leonardo] Bonucci for how to set yourself, and [Andrea] Barzagli for concentration.”