Juventus striker Simone Zaza says it’s a dream come true to sign for Juventus and he is prepared to work hard to make his move a success.
The former Sassuolo forward completed his move to the Turin giants earlier this month for €18 million, signing a five-year contract and was handed the No. 7 shirt for the coming season with the Bianconeri.
“I’m a player of Juventus now, and I want to prove I’m worthy to wear the shirt,” Zaza told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I’m excited to be here, it’s a dream come true, and I want to become a top player.
“I want to prove to others and to myself that I’m good enough to be here, I’m not afraid.
“It’s a big leap to move to Juventus, but it’s something I always wanted, and to play for the second best team is Europe is great.
“I spent two fantastic years with Sassuolo, and they helped me a lot, but I think I will improve even further here now.”
The former Sampdoria striker could find it tough to break into the starting eleven, with the Bianconeri spending big on new signings Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic, but Zaza insists he is prepared to face the competition for a starting berth.
“The important thing now is to find a place in the team, I do not feel like a reserve, I have confidence in myself to do well,” he added.
“I trained with Mandzukic for the first time on Friday, and he is a penalty box striker.
“I can play in a few positions, but the most important thing is to play.
“I had some good battles with Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci last season when I was with Sassuolo, and my game will improve training against these guys every day.”
The Policoro-born forward managed nine goals in Serie A last season but did suffer a dip in form mid-season, and now claims that constant talk about his future might have effected him.
“Last year I had a good start with Sassuolo, then I suffered a decline in form between February and April,” he added.
“I do not know why, but maybe it had to do with the persistent rumors about my future.
“It was a difficult moment but I recovered to have a good end to the season.”
