Juventus backup goalkeeper Mattia Perin refused to be drawn on his future, insisting he wants to remain at Juve: “There is an energy that makes you fall in love with this club….”. The 31-year-old spoke with the Akos Podcast about his career, explaining the reasons for his move to Turin, and why he hopes to remain with the Bianconeri for the foreseeable future:
“At four years old, I started playing football in my neighborhood in Latina. The goalkeeper position fascinated me the most, even though I wasn’t ready for it at the time. The competition was exhilarating. When I joined Latina’s soccer school at six, I made it clear that if I couldn’t play as a goalkeeper, I would go elsewhere. In my early trials with professional teams, I wasn’t considered because I was still too young.”
Time with Genoa and Gasperini
“After returning from a loan at Pescara, I didn’t hesitate to forgo 200,000 euros of my salary to stay at Genoa, where I played alongside Thiago Motta and Milito. This decision proved to be very wise. When Liverani was sacked and Gasperini took over, I heard he said, ‘At the first mistake, I’ll drop him from the squad.’ From that point, I had an exceptional season, which led to my participation in the World Cup in Brazil.”
Joining Juventus
“Arriving at the training ground and seeing players like Chiellini, Bonucci, Khedira, and Mandzukic already in the gym before practice set a standard. Naturally, you follow their example. This season, without European competitions, I’ve had fewer opportunities to play. However, this was a well-considered decision. My time at Genoa was intense and unforgettable—I was the captain and gave my all both sportingly and emotionally. Playing many matches for Genoa was a vital part of my story. Now, despite playing fewer games, the chance to compete in the Champions League and finals is incredibly motivating. This is why I renewed my contract with Juventus, a club that provides incredible challenges and responsibilities. My future is uncertain, but I still played 19 games last season, which is significant.”
Looking Ahead
“I stay focused on the present, but my goals may change in the future. What truly motivates me is the opportunity to play for one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. Every single match is important. When you join Juventus, you immerse yourself in its culture and tradition, becoming an integral part of its reality. Upon my return, I committed to understanding the history of this club, which profoundly moved me. It is one of the few remaining family-run clubs, and there’s an energy here that makes you fall in love with Juventus.”
