Thuram: It is a dream come true

Today, Friday 2^nd August, Khephren Thuram attended his first press conference as a Juventus player at the Allianz Stadium.

Here are the highlights as the French midfielder met with the media at his presentation press conference:

Initial Thoughts and Feelings

“The first week was enjoyable, I worked a lot with the group and coach Thiago Motta. My father told me that Juventus is the best club in the world and to make the most of every moment here. It will be an opportunity to learn and develop as a player in many ways. It is like a dream come true. Since I was a kid, I have dreamed of playing for the Bianconeri: some great French players have played here and I am proud to be able to wear a shirt that means so much.

Following in French Footsteps

“I hope to do well like the other French players who have been at Juve: from Matuidi to Pogba, and also like by father [Lilian Thuram]. I was destined to come here: there had been interest in me since I was 17 at Monaco. I received congratulations from both Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry upon arriving in Turin.

A Family Affair

“I was very young when Juve won so many championships whilst my father was playing for them, so I have very few memories of it. I would like to play a big part in winning more championships. My dad was very happy for my brother [Marcus Thuram] last year and he would be just as happy if I were to win a title. My brother says that I am stronger than him, but he says that because he has so much love for me. I feel the same way about him and I am very happy for him and his career. He made it to the national team, so he is a role model to follow. He scores, he provides assists … he’s an excellent player.

Thoughts on the Coach

“Coach Thiago Motta had an exceptional playing career: he was particularly intelligent in his play and I can learn a lot from him. I know that if I have any questions to ask him, he will be 100% available to talk. He tells me how to follow the game, he has already started to give me so much advice that I keep in mind.

Idols and Tactical Preference

“I don’t have a preferred role: I can operate as a number 8 or as a playmaker, it makes no difference to me. My role models have always been Pogba and Vieira, two great midfielders who have inspired me all my life. I love to keep the ball moving, finding forward passes or carrying the ball forward; defensively I feel like I have the right level of aggression. I feel like a complete player, but I still have a long way to go. I have to learn to score more, so that’s a goal I have set myself. I have to be able to link the midfield and attack: scoring goals pleases everyone, but I have other primary tasks.”