Pavel Nedved has a heartfelt way of describing what it would mean if, finally, Juventus won the Champions League again. “Then,” he says. “Then I could rest in peace.”

It is said with a smile but Nedved is serious. Juventus is his second home and his second family - although he reveals in this exclusive interview with Telegraph Sport that he intends to return to the Czech Republic to hopefully revive the fortunes of the national team when his work is done.

There is a word that peppers his conversation as Nedved discusses his illustrious, iconic career and his role now as vice-president of the Italian giants, working closely with president Andrea Agnelli. That word is responsabilita – which needs little translation from Italian.

“The responsibility not to let anyone down, not to disappointment anyone,” Nedved explains, through an interpreter at Juventus’ training complex ahead of their last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid. Nedved felt it when he played, when he pulled on the famous black and white jersey and still feels it.

“There is no difference,” he adds. “I have always felt like this, to be honest. Because I have always felt privileged. I have been able to do what I love, I have always been treated well, I have always been paid well so that’s why. I feel that I owe something; that I need to return something. It’s always been a great pleasure but nevertheless I do feel this responsibility.