Mario Mandzukic has had a soft spot for Juventus since he was a child, he revealed after completing a move to the Bianconeri.
The Old Lady will pay Atletico Madrid €19 million, plus bonuses, for the 29-year-old Croatian striker, who has signed a four-year deal with the Bianconeri.
“It’s true, I started my career at Marsonia, a club with the same colours as Juve,” Mandzukic told Juventus’ official website.
“We even wore original Juventus jerseys, just with the Marsonia crest. So I’m really pleased to be wearing black and white again, and I’m happy to be at a big club like Juventus.
“I hope and believe that the coach knows me well and can get the best out of me. I’m ready to do everything necessary for my teammates.
“I’ll give my best and I think the coach knows me well enough for us to understand each other, and for him to get the best out of me.”
Mandzukic played Juventus twice with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League group stage last season, and revealed they were a tough opponent.
“It’s always tough to play against Juventus,” he went on. “They’ve always has exceptional players. I’ve played against Juve and Italy several times.
“I know them all very well, they are a tough team with great quality.
“That’s why I am even more delighted that I too am part of this group now.
“I have nothing but the best to say about the team and the coach.
“I will try to slot in as quickly as possible, because as I’ve already said I know the players quite well. I’ve played against them on several occasions, so I don’t think it [fitting in] will be a problem.
“I’ll give my all on the pitch. This is my new team and I’ll fight with everything I’ve got.
“I hope to score as many goals as possible, but the most important thing is that Juventus do well and we win.
“I’ve had a soft spot for Juventus since I was a child because I played for a club – Marsonia – which had the same colours. So even then, I liked Juventus.
“I know and I can see that it’s a massive club with a huge fan base. So I’m very happy with this new challenge, I’m ready.
“We have an excellent squad and an exceptional coach. I want to be useful.”
