The Czech (who scored against Fiorentina) continues to dream of a Champions League title at his age (36): "I'm willing to give up everything -including golf- other than my family. The club did a great job with the new acquisitions. Our opponents will have to sweat to beat us"
VINOVO (Turin), 4 September 2008 - At 36 years of age, Pavel Nedved has not given up on his dream of winning a Champions League title. It's an obsession that he can't get out of his mind, after having been so close to making his dream come true in 2003. However, his booking during the match against Real Madrid prevented him from playing in the finals in Manchester against Milan. Two years later, Juve are back in the European competition and Nedved is up to the challenge: in the meantime, he scored a valuable goal against Fiorentina in the Serie A match that confirms his starting left-winger position.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - "I would give up every single pleasure in life for a Champions League title, including golf games with Del Piero and Camoranesi, although I would never give up my family. Returning to the Champions League two years after playing in Serie B can be considered almost a miracle. We have new important players and valuable young talent this year. The club did a great job with the acquisitions. We are not afraid of anyone and our opponents will have to sweat to beat us. The group stage? There is no use in talking about Real Madrid; Zenit will be a tough bone to chew for a third phase team. We will also have to watch out for Bate. What would happen if we won the Cup? I will also play the World Championships in Tokyo. I'll go everywhere."
FLAG - "The symbols of this Juve squad are other players like Del Piero or Buffon. They have given so much to the team and I have learned a lot from them. When I started at Juve, I chose number 11 because it had been worn by great champions such as Bettega and I was honoured I could have the same shirt number. It has brought me very good luck."
CONDITIONS - "The goal in Florence was a nice one although I have to say that it was all Grygera's doing: he gave me a great pass and I just had to finish it in. For once, I made it on time to the ball. Infinite energy? It's harder to have endless energy; at my age, one needs to work hard and rest a lot. It takes a lot to regain strength. This year will be difficult with the Champions League and more matches close together. Giovinco, Marchisio and De Ceglie are ready to help an old chap like me."
FUTURE - "I'm clear about the future, although I prefer not to talk too much about it. Right now, I'm only focusing on our goals. I have discussed with Juve the possibility of coaching the kids because I find that role very exciting."
Text Source: By Alberto Mauro, Gazzetta.it (http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/Primo_Piano/2008/09/04/nedved.shtml)
No comments:
Post a Comment