Nigerian-Italian defender, Angelo Ogbonna, has voiced out that he joined Juventus in order to realise his dream in the game, saying he never betrayed the trust his former employers, Torino, reposed in him.
Ogbonna, whose mother is a full blooded Nigerian, said: “Proud to be here. We are professionals. My heart belongs to football and people play football or aspire to play football to the highest level possible. And Juve are one of the best. Racism? The less we talk about it the better.”
Ogbonna doesn’t want to hear any talk about him being a traitor.
He said: “There are opportunities that professionals have to take without a moment’s hesitation.
“I already knew a lot of my new team-mates here at Juve from before. I’m very proud because one of the most important clubs in Italy and the world has chosen me to play for them. Coming here is a chance for me to grow and I’m happy to have said yes without a moment’s hesitation.
“Juve were the only club who strongly wanted me. I don’t consider myself a traitor as, before everything else, I’m a professional football player. My heart belongs to football and people play football all over the world. Everyone can and has to aspire to play at the highest level possible.
“My decision wasn’t taken because I wanted to betray anyone, but because of my ambition. I’ve maintained my good relationship with Cairo and Ventura. The negotiations to bring me here always went extremely smoothly and without any fuss. A deal between gentlemen.
“The game against Toro will be a very big game. Now, I’m on the other side of the fence and I know how much the game means to the Bianconeri fans. As a professional I’ve never pulled out of any challenge. I’ll always try to make it hard for the opposition, not just Torino, but every single team. I’m happy to be part of this squad and to be able to fight for the Scudetto and the Champions League. Our objectives are clear: the Italian Super Cup, the third consecutive Scudetto and to do well in Europe. To be honest, I didn’t for one minute believe I’d be worth as much as €15M, but if Juve paid that much for me, there must be a reason.”
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