Neto admits Juventus has ‘changed a lot’ since he last played there in 2017, but he is feeling a ‘very positive impact’ with coach Luciano Spalletti.
The goalkeeper was snapped up as a free agent last week when Kamil Grabara was ruled out for the rest of the season by a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
It represents a return to Turin for the 37-year-old, who was already here from 2015 to 2017, although he doesn’t recognise the facilities at all.
Neto has seen huge change at Juventus
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Norberto Murara Neto of Juventus FC gestures during the TIM Cup match between Juventus FC and SSC Napoli at Juventus Arena on February 28, 2017 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“When the call came from Juve, it was the first time in my life that I was able to really stay home, enjoy my family and time to myself,” confessed the Brazilian to Sky Sport Italia.
“I was watching the Davis Cup with Brazil against Switzerland, but when Juventus called, I really didn’t have to think about it for long.”
So much has changed in the time since he left, during which he played for the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.
“Coming back to a place that you know well means it doesn’t take time to adapt. Having said that, we used to train at Vinovo, so the Continassa camp is new. What they managed to build here is spectacular, the club deserves credit.
“I had felt for a few years that I’d like to return to Italy, so I’m very happy and feel ready for this challenge. I’d never worked with Spalletti before, but he’s had a very positive impact on me already.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Norberto Murara Neto of Juventus FC looks on during the TIM Cup match between Juventus FC and SSC Napoli at Juventus Arena on February 28, 2017 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Juventus were also a dominant force when Neto was last in the Bianconeri jersey, but they haven’t won the Scudetto since 2020 and only managed to qualify for the Europa League this season.
“This is football, there are dynamics and periods that shift. The team is strong, we can get the results that Juve are accustomed to and do important things here.”
They were in action today with a 1-0 friendly defeat to Cremonese, using the players left behind during international duty.
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