Di Gregorio: “Juve, never had any doubts. When I spoke with Giuntoli…”

The Juventus goalkeeper presented himself at a press conference: behind the scenes on the negotiations, his idols and his objectives

"Since the championship ended I spoke with Giuntoli and I no longer thought about any other solution or team . I kept my word" - Di Gregorio said in the presentation press conference. The new Juventus goalkeeper, among the pawns to give Motta a top-level team, introduced himself by answering journalists' questions and revealing some curiosities about his history: his idols, his goals, the weight of the shirt and his ambitions also in the national team.

Juve-Di Gregorio, the press conference 

"I wanted to thank Monza and I renew my best wishes to Galliani" - Di Gregorio began at the press conference. Then he continued: "The feelings are the same as those of the first day, everything is wonderful. Why did I choose Juve? Since the championship ended I spoke with Giuntoli and I no longer thought about any other solution or team . I kept my word" . Then on past experiences: "They helped me, work and consistency brought me to be here and I am very proud. Tradition of Italian goalkeepers? Juve has always had world-class goalkeepers".

On his ambitions : "Leaving something behind like all the number ones who came before me. Who do I remember? In terms of physical structure, perhaps a bit of Peruzzi . For the rest, I want to get a lot of satisfaction. From the first day I arrived, my goal was to reach many goals, like leaving my mark here and getting to the national team. I know I'm in the right place."  On building the back and his ability with his feet : " The coach doesn't ask us for strange things , but to be involved and have personality, to take part in the maneuver. I think it's important because football has changed and all of us goalkeepers are training for this and I like this aspect." On his relationship with Perin and his other colleagues: "We hit it off straight away, also because perhaps we've already met before. I have a great bond with them. A starting spot guaranteed? I'm here to give my all."

The post Szczesny, the answer to Buffon and the idol

"What will it be like to take Szczesny's place? Just coming to Juve should make you aware. You know there will be pressure" - explained Di Gregorio. On Buffon's praise , who had spent honeyed words for him: " I haven't spoken to him, but I've heard his words, they make me proud . And then said by him who was the greatest in history...".  The former Monza player then told how he experienced the award ceremony for best goalkeeper in Serie A at the Stadium on the last day against Juve : "It was a beautiful thing and I didn't even expect it and I was happy for the ovation. Idol? Growing up with the 2006 World Cup I say Buffon, then Handanovic for his style". 

The value of Juve, the objectives and the comparison with the big ones

On the differences between Monza and Juve: "Expectations are what makes our job beautiful, trying to push us and make sure we're ready. I definitely come from a different background, but there was pressure there too. I remember perfectly what I experienced on the day of my debut in Serie A. I took some steps and now I'm working on a mental level to always give my best. Does the Juve shirt weigh on me? Yes, because there's history and ambition and a lot is always expected of the Bianconeri players and that's right. On the group: " I've never found one like this, I immediately felt at ease". On the retreat in Germany: "It helped us to be together and get to know each other off the pitch too. I think it was a great week in a great structure".  He then concluded: " How far do I feel from the top players like Donnarumma and Courtois? I think the real test is always on the pitch , then we'll take stock. Have we talked about objectives? No in detail, but we always have to think about doing our best".