Marchisio: 'Juve my priority'

By Football Italia staff

Claudio Marchisio hasn’t yet decided on his future after retirement, but explains why he never moved to the Premier League. “My priority was Juventus.”

The midfielder retired at the age of 33 after numerous knee injuries during his final years at Juve and Zenit St Petersburg.

“I haven't ruled out anything, but for the moment I have not decided what I will do,” Marchisio told the Daily Mail when asked if he’d like to be a Coach.

“My No 8 jersey is in the best hands. Aaron Ramsey is a fantastic player. The No 8 is such a beautiful number that it had to end up on someone's back. My preferences were two, Ramsey or an academy player who moved up to the first team.”

Marchisio has always shown a fondness for the Premier League and English players such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, but never got to play there.

“As a boy, two of my favourite players played in England, so it was normal for me to follow the English championship. The rhythm and the physicality of the games have always fascinated me. As well as the concept that the fans the most important thing, they ask to see your shirt dirty with sweat, as a symbol of the battle on the field. The big plays are important, but they always come after the sweaty shirt.

“In terms of business and organisation, the Premier League and Championship are two extremely fascinating leagues. Let's say that the English experience fascinated me, but spending all my career at Juventus was my priority as a player.

“It cannot be said that I was close to any English team, but there was interest from the Manchester teams and Chelsea. But Juventus has always been my priority, so real negotiations were never started.

“When the Coach moved my position from second striker to midfielder in the Juventus youth academy, I began to observe the great midfielders of the football scene. Even just to try to steal secrets and understand the malice needed for the role.

“Without a doubt my favourites remain Gerrard and Lampard. They were both very strong and both undisputed symbols of their own clubs. I admired both their charisma, the mastery of the game, the leadership, the courage and their attachment to the shirt.”

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