Marchisio: 'Juventus my family'

By Football Italia staff

Claudio Marchisio explains why he chose to join Zenit St Petersburg, but Juventus “have always been my family and I experienced a dream come true.”

The midfielder spent his whole life and career in Turin, save for a one-season loan spell at Empoli, but has taken a huge leap to Russia by signing a two-year contract with Zenit.

“Juve have always been my family and gave me the opportunity to experience a dream come true. I have so many emotions inside me that I cannot forget,” Marchisio told Sky Sport Italia.

“I have been fortunate because as well as being able to play with the Juventus jersey, I’ve had the opportunity to win so much.

“What remains with you are not just the trophies, but above all the human connections, the rapport with teammates, the city and the fans. I’ll always carry those with me.”

Could Marchisio one day return to Juventus in another role?

“I don’t know. Receiving so much affection from the fans in Turin, Italy and beyond was wonderful. I would’ve liked to finish my career at Juve, certainly, but I know that I have been lucky.

“I didn’t expect any particular salute to the crowd, the important thing is what you gave on the field. I didn’t need any big farewell match, so I have no regrets about that.”

His rapport with Coach Max Allegri was strained and the lack of playing time ultimately pushed him away.

“It was the time to take different paths. These two years were not easy, but that’s the risk you take with this job. The one thing that disappointed me was, at times, to have been passed off as injured when I wasn’t.”

The Italy international had been linked with numerous clubs, including Nice, Monaco and Montreal Impact, but opted for Zenit St Petersburg.

“I met sporting director Javier Ribalta and he convinced me straight away. Now it’s important for me to go out there, get to know the Coach and team, thank them for the opportunity they are giving me.

“It’s a well-organised club with some players I already know. Zenit want to win the title straight away and get back into the Champions League, that is why I decided to accept the proposal.”

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