Sold to Juventus, and loaned to Empoli, 18-year-old Matheus Pereira talks about life in Italy

  Bought by Juventus last month, 18-year-old attacking midfielder Matheus Pereira has avoided any controversy with coach Tite and takes inspiration from former Corinthians defender Marquinhos. Treated for years as one of the biggest talents from Corinthians’ youth system, Matheus Pereira left the club last month, after making just two appearances for the professional team. […]
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sambafoot_admin
2016-09-10 10:52:00

 

Bought by Juventus last month, 18-year-old attacking midfielder Matheus Pereira has avoided any controversy with coach Tite and takes inspiration from former Corinthians defender Marquinhos.
Treated for years as one of the biggest talents from Corinthians" youth system, Matheus Pereira left the club last month, after making just two appearances for the professional team. Matheus Pereira, who was sent on loan to Empoli, avoided criticism of former coach Tite for the lack of opportunities. Eyeing a future sale, Corinthians preferred to keep their 5% share they owned.
He said: “When I went up last year, the team were in a very good moment. I competed with Renato Augusto, Jádson…and it was more difficult. The goal was always to play, but I was very happy when wearing the Corinthians shirt. And about Tite"s decisions, he"s a great coach, with whom I learned too. Marquinhos serves as an example for me. He"s a guy who was also born in Corinthians and really took his chances he had in Europe. It was a dream come true [to go to Juventus]. Every player wants to play in Europe and defend a great team and I"m conquering it as an 18-year-old."
He added: “I was loaned to a club in the country. Juventus understood that it would be better for my adaptation to life in Italy and football here. That"s when Empoli came. I think we can finish in the top eight. It didn"t went well in the first two rounds [defeats to Udinese and Sampdoria], but there is enough talent in the group. I went to the dugout and I"m waiting for my opportunity."
“I came here alone and it"s different because I"ve always lived with my mother and my sister. But I understand enough Italian and speak little. I didn"t take the driving license, yet. Luckily, I live near the stadium where we train and play. So I walk, and arrive in ten minutes."

Bought by Juventus last month, 18-year-old attacking midfielder Matheus Pereira has avoided any controversy with coach Tite and takes inspiration from former Corinthians defender Marquinhos.

Treated for years as one of the biggest talents from Corinthians" youth system, Matheus Pereira left the club last month, after making just two appearances for the professional team. Matheus Pereira, who was sent on loan to Empoli, avoided criticism of former coach Tite for the lack of opportunities. Eyeing a future sale, Corinthians preferred to keep their 5% share they owned.

He said: “When I went up last year, the team were in a very good moment. I competed with Renato Augusto, Jádson…and it was more difficult. The goal was always to play, but I was very happy when wearing the Corinthians shirt. And about Tite"s decisions, he"s a great coach, with whom I learned too. Marquinhos serves as an example for me. He"s a guy who was also born in Corinthians and really took his chances he had in Europe. It was a dream come true [to go to Juventus]. Every player wants to play in Europe and defend a great team and I"m conquering it as an 18-year-old."

He added: “I was loaned to a club in the country. Juventus understood that it would be better for my adaptation to life in Italy and football here. That"s when Empoli came. I think we can finish in the top eight. It didn"t went well in the first two rounds [defeats to Udinese and Sampdoria], but there is enough talent in the group. I went to the dugout and I"m waiting for my opportunity."

“I came here alone and it"s different because I"ve always lived with my mother and my sister. But I understand enough Italian and speak little. I didn"t take the driving license, yet. Luckily, I live near the stadium where we train and play. So I walk, and arrive in ten minutes."