On the backdrop of the press conference room at the Allianz Stadium, it says ‘Welcome Charly’. Carlos Alcaraz introduced himself with a big smile and greeted everyone in Italian. The new Juventus signing, arriving from Southampton in the final days of the transfer market with a loan with an option to buy for $53 million, will have time to improve his Italian. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old midfielder has already worn the number 26 jersey against Inter, entering a few minutes in the end and immediately leaving a good impression.”I’ve been here for a week – and I’m delighted. The group welcomed me very well. My role? I can play in midfield but also move as a false nine. Here at Juventus, I’m playing more on the right inside, and I feel very good. As a kid, I used to play both on the right and on the left, but I’m ready to do everything.”La visita allo stadio, al J Museum e poi l’incontro con i nostri Fan Club e J Member ✍️🤩Che giornata, Charly! ⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/zk73D2KFEv— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) February 8, 2024 Italian press loves to compare new players to past aces – and they likened Alcaraz’s style to the great Cristiano Ronaldo, who spent three seasons playing for the Italian giants.”I’m glad they associated me with great champions who have passed through here. Cristiano Ronaldo has been an inspiration for me, at Juventus I have to do well, and I want my name to be engraved in the club’s history. That must be my mission every day.”Alcaraz has been compared to another South American player who left a big impact in Turin – Chilean legend Arturo Vidal. Until a few days ago, Carlos’ only connection to Vidal was controlling him on PlayStation, where he always picked the black and whites.”I always chose them because great players have passed through here. If my friends didn’t let me play as Juve, I would get angry or not play. The comparison with Vidal makes me happy. He was a great player who achieved excellent results here. I will do my best to achieve great results with this team.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7855087##The boy who started his career with Racing Club feels ready for the big leap, especially in terms of expectations. After all, playing for Southampton in the EFL Championship is a whole level below Serie A.”I’ve always liked Juve because it’s a great club. Many Argentines have passed through here. It has always attracted me for this reason. Now that I’m here, I realize that the expectations are very high, but I’m ready and well-prepared. It’s one of the best things that has happened to me. Both at Racing and in England, I have been able to play with great names and I have made a big change physically. The debut at San Siro was not good in terms of the result but I entered a high-level game. I like matches with pressure, and I’m not afraid. I don’t like to lose, not even in training, I want results. That’s my attitude.”“I always chose Juventus when I played PlayStation so I could play with the best. If my friends didn’t let me choose them, I got upset or refused to play.”🗣️ Carlos Alcaraz 🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/CjUSGoMT9v— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) February 8, 2024 Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri and captain Danilo spoke a lot to Alcaraz and made him feel prepared.”The coach asks me to stay calm and do what I know. I’m calm because I feel the trust. I’ll try to prove that it’s well placed. The fact that the buyout price is very high doesn’t scare me; the issue of the amount will be seen. I intend to do well; whether it’s adequate or not will depend on my performance. Danilo asked me how I felt and told me not to be nervous because Juve is a family.”
