Brazilian winger Douglas Costa has expressed his happiness with his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittifaq, while reminiscing fondly about his time at Juventus. Costa, currently in Bardonecchia for pre-season training, stated he is eager to prove his worth after a six-month spell with Chievo in Serie D. He emphasized his affection for Italy, recalling some of the most beautiful moments of his career were experienced in Turin.
Costa revealed the transfer from Bayern Munich to Juventus in the summer of 2017 came about after initial conversations with Juventus president Andrea Agnelli and sporting director Fabio Paratici following a Champions League match in 2016. A subsequent trip to Australia with then-Juventus player Alex Sandro saw the possibility of a move further discussed, with Sandro inquiring about Costa’s willingness to join the Bianconeri. Costa admitted he had little hesitation, knowing he would have limited playing time under Carlo Ancelotti at Bayern. He described a swift conclusion to negotiations, stating it’s difficult to decline an offer from Juventus.
During his time in Turin, Costa highlighted the impact of manager Max Allegri, who initially utilized him from the bench before integrating him into the starting eleven. He credited Allegri with instilling a consistent work ethic and a winning mentality. The Brazilian also spoke highly of his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, describing him as a prolific goalscorer and an easy player to manage, both on and off the pitch. He expressed his joy at having played alongside the Portuguese superstar.
Looking ahead, Costa expressed his desire to see Juventus return to its former glory, particularly after missing out on Champions League qualification. When asked about potential Juventus signings, he singled out Dusan Vlahovic as a player who could make a significant difference, praising his existing contributions to the club. He also expressed admiration for new Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti, noting his teams play attractive football. Costa lamented the missed opportunity for Pep Guardiola to manage the Italian national team, and voiced support for Roberto Mancini, while wishing Andrea Pirlo well in his future endeavors. Costa’s move to Al-Ittifaq represents a new chapter for the experienced winger, as he aims to rediscover his form in the Saudi Pro League.
