Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli admits current Coach Max Allegri suggested a change of position when they were teammates at Pistoiese.
The 35-year-old also revealed that he studies opponents closely in order to gain an advantage on the field.
"My start in football was the start of a dreamer boy," The Fiesole-native told an event where he was guest-speaker. "I never thought of becoming a football player.
"I approached it the first time with experienced players when I was just a kid who went to training on a scooter .
Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli admits current Coach Max Allegri suggested a change of position when they were teammates at Pistoiese.
The 35-year-old also revealed that he studies opponents closely in order to gain an advantage on the field.
"My start in football was the start of a dreamer boy," The Fiesole-native told an event where he was guest-speaker. "I never thought of becoming a football player.
"I approached it the first time with experienced players when I was just a kid who went to training on a scooter .
"And it was the most beautiful part of my sporting life. Better than now when I want for nothing."
At the start you played in midfield, but then your former Coach Giuseppe Pillon switched your position?
"Yes, but Allegri would not exactly agree with this theory. The Coach was my teammate for six months at Pistoiese and today he takes the credit for that change of role.
"Allegri says he told Pillon to move me around. I always remember that it was him that recommended it."
What is most important for the Azzurri defender now he is older?
"I think one of the most important values is humility. I think I became what I am thanks to hard work, not rest. I'm an average player, I have become great at Juventus.
"Being humble is not to say you do not believe in yourself, it is to be aware of what you have.
"When I arrived at Juve I observed the players that represented them most. Both [Andrea] Pirlo and [Gianluigi] Buffon did not ever skip a workout. This is the world of Juve. And at Juve you exercise more."
How does Barzagli gain an advantage over his attacking opponents?
"I try to study the best opponents. Right, left, how they move and how they kick. I look at the percentages. The problem is if you are 50/ 50.
"The level is very high and it is not always easy in a one on one situation. I learned to be a bit cunning, in any way possible.
"In the game you have two seconds and you have to be good."