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Teun Koopmeiners: Why I Joined Juventus
New Juventus midfielder, Teun Koopmeiners, has spoken about his decision to join the club in the summer transfer window just gone, hinting that he had other offers as well.
The Netherlands international appears to be an exciting addition to Juventus following his impressive performances at Atalanta, and it will be interesting to see if he made the right choice to continue his career in Serie A.
Koopmeiners attended his first press conference on Tuesday, marking his official introduction to the team after making a €60m transfer from Atalanta at the end of the summer transfer window.
Koopmeiners on his best role and hopes to evolve
During his chat with the press, Koopmeiners explained which position he feels suits him most naturally.
“Since arriving in Italy, I’ve played in a variety of positions, but my favorite role is definitely as a midfielder,” the 26-year-old said.
“I’m eager to expand my versatility on the field and continue developing into an even more complete player. Right now, my role is to play behind the strikers, and I’m doing well in that position.”
Koopmeiners lists Juventus’s inspirations
Koopmeiners is not focused on personal goals; his main priority is to secure titles with his new teammates.
“What matters most is the team. There are no personal goals; I felt like part of the family right away. I want to integrate as much as possible and always be at my best so I can help the team.”
He also explained what role suits him best.
“Since arriving in Italy, I’ve played in a variety of positions, but my favorite role is definitely as a midfielder. I’m eager to expand my versatility on the field and continue developing into an even more complete player.”
“I also played as a central defender for several years; when I arrived in Italy, I started playing further ahead, and I prefer it.”
“Right now, my role is to play behind the strikers, and I’m doing well in that position. As for the Champions League, it’s going to be a great game. I know many players from PSV Eindhoven, but our focus has to be on our own game.”
Koopmeiners explained why he decided to take Claudio Marchisio’s old no.8 jersey, “It’s important to me; I’ve always played with this number throughout my career. I’m very grateful to have been given it here.”
Marchisio was one of three players that Koopmeiners cited as his inspiration.
“My idols? I would say Zinedine Zidane, who was an inspiration to many. Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio also stand out for me, especially since we share a special connection with the number 8.”
Koopmeiners on Juventus excitement and Atalanta
The Dutchman expressed his enthusiasm for joining Juventus and continuing his career in Serie A, a league he has closely followed since he was a child.
“These first few days have been great. I had so many expectations that have been met. I am very happy to have started this new adventure,” Koopmeiners said in his first Juventus press conference.
“I have been following the Italian league and Juventus since I was a child. When I arrived in Italy, I saw how exceptional this club is. I always thought it would be great to play here, and when the opportunity came, I thought of nothing else.
“I was convinced and confident that I would make it here. There were ups and downs; however, I always had a lot of confidence, and in the end, that’s exactly what happened. I am focused on the next few weeks.”
Koopmeiners still looks back fondly at his time with Atalanta, despite leaving the club in slightly unfavourable circumstances. He had played a big role in helping La Dea win the Europa League title a few months before his departure.
“I spent wonderful years at Atalanta, where I won an important title. I grew a lot thanks to them; I can say that over the past three years, I have thrived and learned a great deal. Now, I am happy to be here.”
Koopmeiners other suitors
Koopmeiners was frequently mentioned in connection with Liverpool by outlets like Gazzetta dello Sport and Team Talk, but it appears that the midfielder consistently viewed Juventus as his priority destination.
Teun Koopmeiners, “Maybe yes, other clubs were interested in me this summer… but I was only interested in Juventus”.
Liverpool could have benefitted from adding a new midfielder this summer, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi also notably a top target for the Reds before he rejected them, as reported by Spanish outlet Relevo.
