Norberto Neto’s return to Juventus is one of the more unexpected stories of the season. Nine years after leaving Turin, the Brazilian goalkeeper has put the black-and-white shirt back on — at a time when he was seriously considering ending his career.
In a major interview with Tuttosport, Neto spoke about the Juventus call that changed his plans, his first impressions of Luciano Spalletti, his reunion with former teammate Giorgio Chiellini, the changes he found at the club and the Bianconeri’s ambitions in the Europa League.
“I WAS SERIOUSLY THINKING ABOUT RETIRING” – JUVENTUS’ CALL CHANGED EVERYTHING
Neto did not hide the fact that he had come very close to deciding to end his professional career. After years at the highest level, he had finally begun to enjoy more time with his family and life away from football. The possibility of hanging up his gloves was a very real one.
“I was seriously thinking about retiring.”
Then the phone rang - Juventus wanted him back. The call came while he was watching the Davis Cup match between Brazil and Switzerland. Once he realized that a return to Turin was a concrete possibility, everything changed.
“I’M HAPPY TO BE BACK” – NETO IS HOME AGAIN
Nine years after leaving, Neto has once again stepped into the Juventus environment. He knows the city, he knows the club, and Turin has a particularly strong connection with his family.
“I’m happy to be back. I feel very good here.”
For the Brazilian goalkeeper, the return is therefore more than just another transfer. Juventus gave him the opportunity to begin a new chapter at a moment when he believed the previous one might be coming to an end.
SPALLETTI IMPRESSED HIM IMMEDIATELY: “THE FIRST IMPRESSION IS VERY POSITIVE”
Neto had never previously worked with Luciano Spalletti, although he had heard plenty about the Italian coach throughout his career. Now, for the first time, he has had the opportunity to experience his methods up close.
“The first impression is very positive.”
His first training sessions and conversations with Spalletti further convinced him that he had made the right decision by accepting the return to Juventus.
NINE YEARS LATER – “THE CHANGE HAS BEEN IMPRESSIVE”
During his first spell at Juventus, Neto trained at Vinovo. Now he has returned to a club with completely different facilities and a much more modern infrastructure.
“The change has been impressive.”
The Brazilian has experienced different clubs and football environments throughout the years, but he was particularly impressed by Juventus’ development upon his return to Turin.
FROM A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL TO THE EUROPA LEAGUE – BUT THE MENTALITY REMAINS THE SAME
When Neto left Juventus in 2017, the Bianconeri had just played in the Champions League final. Now he has returned at a time when the club is trying to build a new winning generation and is competing in the Europa League. For the experienced goalkeeper, that does not mean Juventus should lower its expectations. Quite the opposite.
NETO SENDS A CLEAR MESSAGE: “WE WILL TRY TO WIN IT”
Asked about Juventus’ ambitions in the Europa League, Neto gave a m straightforward answer.
“We will try to win it.”
That perhaps best reflects the mentality he expects from the new Juventus.
Missing out on the Champions League cannot be an excuse. Neto believes the current squad has enough quality to achieve something significant, and he wants his second spell in Turin to be marked by the winning of a trophy.
NETO ON CHIELLINI: “THIS IS THE IDEAL PLACE FOR HIM”
One of the most interesting moments following his return was his reunion with Giorgio Chiellini. They were once teammates in the dressing room and on the pitch, while the former captain is now part of the club’s structure.
“This is the ideal place for him.”
Neto believes Chiellini perfectly understands Juventus, its history, its demands and the pressure that comes with playing for the Bianconeri.
That is precisely why he believes Chiellini’s presence can mean a great deal to the current generation.
DOES HE REGRET LEAVING JUVENTUS?
Neto also spoke about his decision to leave Turin in 2017. Although he has now returned, he does not believe he made the wrong choice at the time.
The years he spent away from Juventus gave him new experiences, exposure to different football cultures and a different perspective on his career. Today, he returns as a completely different person and a much more experienced goalkeeper.
A NEW ROLE: MORE THAN JUST A BACKUP GOALKEEPER
Neto is aware that he has not returned to Juventus in the same role he had almost a decade ago. His experience can now be valuable away from the pitch as well. He is expected to contribute to the dressing room, help younger players and goalkeepers, while also being ready whenever Spalletti calls upon him on the field.
He has been working intensely on an individual basis, with the goal of being fully ready for competitive football once again.
A RETURN THAT CAME WHEN HE LEAST EXPECTED IT
Only a short time ago, Neto was considering a life without professional football. Today, he is a Juventus player once again.
From the words:
“I was seriously thinking about retiring.”
to the message:
“We will try to win it.”
lies the entire meaning of his unexpected return. Neto did not return to Turin simply to finish his career. He returned with the desire to win again with Juventus.
Source: Tuttosport
