Juventus Star Reflects on Snubbing Arsenal and Praises Mikel Arteta

Manuel Locatelli has no regrets about turning down a transfer to Arsenal three years ago, but he does admire Mikel Arteta and his team.

The midfielder was a wanted man after he helped Italy win the European Championship in 2021 after a couple of impressive seasons for Sassuolo.

The Gunners were certainly keen on signing him, bidding for his services, but Juventus won the race for Locatelli as the player himself preferred the move to Turin.

It has not been the best years for Juve since the midfielder arrived, with Locatelli adding just one Coppa Italia to his CV since 2021.

However, in an interview with Tuttosport he was asked if he had any regrets on turning down a switch to Arsenal three years ago, he said: ‘No.

‘But I love watching football, and I like watching their games and I respect their coach, Arteta.’

Locatelli grew up as a Juventus fan so it was no great surprise he opted for the move to the Old Lady but he speaks passionately about his love for football as a whole.

‘I live it every day and I say it with my heart. Every day I get to the pitch I’m happy to train, to do extra work in the gym, for me it’s a lot of passion,’ he said. ‘I like watching the games, the Champions League but also the Serie B matches. I love football, I watch the other footballers.

‘I have matured a lot, as a person and a player. In these three years I had to be more consistent. I am always the first to question myself so I have another year to improve. I am here every day for this.’

Juventus have made a solid start to the season under new manager Thiago Motta, although it has not been thrilling.

They have won two of their first five Serie A games, but the other three have been goalless draws.

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