Mario Mandzukic reveals he almost joined Juventus in 2012 and the secret infection that caused his early season problems.
The Croatia international spoke to Sportske Novosti about his first six months in Turin.
“It was a perfect start with victory in the Italian Super Cup and my goal against Lazio, but two defeats and a draw in the first three Serie A rounds sparked immediate pressure. All this negativity was poured on to the team and on me.
Mario Mandzukic reveals he almost joined Juventus in 2012 and the secret infection that caused his early season problems.
The Croatia international spoke to Sportske Novosti about his first six months in Turin.
“It was a perfect start with victory in the Italian Super Cup and my goal against Lazio, but two defeats and a draw in the first three Serie A rounds sparked immediate pressure. All this negativity was poured on to the team and on me.
“From the opening game against Udinese I got injured and an infection debilitated me for a long time. I was distraught, as it had never happened in my career, but I didn’t say anything publicly because I did not want it to turn into an alibi.
“My body was really weak and the pain continued for around two months, then I got another injury to the tendon and had to sit on the sidelines.”
Mandzukic found his form eventually and has now won over the Bianconeri supporters, but he reveals it could’ve all been very different.
“I had already been in some pretty big talks with Juventus in 2012, then Bayern Munich arrived, but it was my destiny to end up here sooner or later.
“I’ve always had a lot of respect for the old guard, as Gigi Buffon was my childhood idol, while I already knew Andrea Barzagli from Wolfsburg and had some really tough battles on the field with Giorgio Chiellini. Knowing so much about the squad, it was even easier for me to accept the Bianconeri offer.
“Max Allegri supported me during the most difficult moment and that means a lot to me. Juventus are an institution in Italy and wherever we play there are thousands of fans.
“What really struck me was the club’s reaction during our negative period. With their presence at the training sessions, always discreet and without a sense of panic or confusion, they made it clear how serious the situation was. They invited us to get back to the level Juventus belong at.”