Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has officially signed a new long-term deal with the club and has revealed that he’s still just as excited to play for the Old Lady as he was upon joining the Turin giants as a child.
The 29-year-old, whose freshly inked contract will see him remain with the Bianconeri until June 2020, is now being seen as the heir to Andrea Pirlo following the veteran’s departure to New York City FC but insists that no one could replace the Serie A legend, though he admits that he has indeed learned a lot from his now former team-mate.
Marchisio spoke during a press conference following the announcement of his renewal about how happy he is to continue his journey at Juventus and commented on everything that he’s picked up from Pirlo over the years.
“These are similar emotions to the ones that I felt during my first training session with the Juve youth team in 1993,” said the Italian international.
“Even after many years, I’ve still always wanted to wear this shirt and I’m lucky to continue at this great club for another five years.
“I’m the heir of Pirlo? I cannot be the heir of Andrea because I’m a totally different player from him, our only similarity is basically that we both play in the same position.
“But in this respect I would also like to say a few words to Andrea and praise him for everything he has given to Juventus in recent years, as we have grown, because he was really an important player.
“And as for me, trying this role in front of the defence and getting to watch him every day has certainly helped me so much.
“I don’t have the same characteristics as him, but to learn from such a champion like him has helped me so much and made things easier on the field.”
