Young right back explains decision to turn down Man City in favour of Serie A move

 

The name Pol Lirola might not mean a lot to you right now, but Juventus are hoping it will in the coming years.

The 19-year-old right-back, currently on loan at Sassuolo, was picked up from Espanyol last summer following a successful loan spell, and is one to apparently look out for in the future.

Going away temporarily due to the competition at the spot from Dani Alves and Stephan Lichsteiner, the youngster gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday, where he discussed why he decided to come to Italy, rather than go somewhere else.

Turning down Manchester City and Barcelona around the same time in favour of a move to Turin, Lirola explained his choice.

He said: “I like Italian football, the league is the most complete and educational. I thought Juventus was the best place to grow and to feel valued.”

Now on loan in Serie A at the age of 19, it seems Juventus have big plans for the defender in the future, with a contract keeping him at the champions until 2020.

Only playing in the club’s Europa League qualifiers so far, there is no doubt Beppe Marotta and Max Allegri will be keeping a close eye on his game time and progression over the course of the season.