Pirlo: Real Madrid is the Most Important Club in the World

quote:

---

You were crying in Genova after winning the title…

Not really. I got hit in the face during the celebrations. It hurt (laughs). I was happy, true. I hope to be emotional against Madrid.

At your age, what have Juve given you that other teams haven’t?

The dream of being motivated again.

What did having Ancelotti as a coach mean for you?

He’s like a father. We spent a lot of years together. He got me playing my best football in a different position, further back. He changed my role on the pitch. I lived indescribable times with him.

Do you remember the applause at the Bernabéu?

Of course. I hope it happens again in a week’s time. And not just that they applaud me, but the team.

How do you approach the games?

There’s a second leg. It’s 180 minutes. The first leg is vital and needs to be played intelligently, with prudence and boldness. We have a dream to follow, and there’s nothing to lose, but we can’t get carried away because of that.

Do you think Madrid can cope with so many attacking midfielders in the centre?

There are many attacking players, but Kroos already had experience playing there. The key is giving everything for the team, like James and Isco do and Di María did last year.

Is Juve the Cinderella of the semi-finals?

We hope so… we hope to win it, I mean. Juve are in the semi-final on their own merits. We have the example of what Atleti did last season, and were so close to winning the final.

How do you see the big battle between Cristiano and Messi?

We follow it. They just need to be congratulated, they are at another level. Every game they score two or three goals.

Where do you find the motivation to keep playing?

I just hope to be motivated to play, to train… and when I don’t have the motivation, I’ll be the first to go.

Who do you enjoy watching?

I like watching Xavi and Iniesta, because they play for the team, for their teammates, and they make the other players play well.

Do you hope Ancelotti uses man to man marking?

I hope he doesn’t. I hope to be able to play a bit freer. But I’m used to one attacker staying with me when I’m in a defensive position.

What do you think of Isco?

He’s very good. I saw him when he came to play a friendly with us in Salerno, with Málaga and we realised how good he was. Now he’s showing what a good player he is.

How important is Morata to the group?

Just like all the foreigners, particularly the Spaniards, he was tired at first because of the incredibly tough physical preparation we do. They aren’t used to that, and in the first six months you notice it. Then he started playing, scoring goals and showing what a big talent he is.

Could Morata suffer from too much pressure?

He’ll be worked up at the start. It’s his Madrid, but on the pitch as I say, you forget everything.

If you win the Champions will you leave Italy (Pirlo has one year more on his contract).

I don’t know. Before thinking about anything I want to win the Champions League with Juventus. But in Italy I wouldn’t play with any team other than Juve.

Were you close to signing for Madrid at any point?

Yes. In 2006. Capello called me. Milan had problems with the Calciopoli scandal. The deal was nearly done. Then everything was sorted out and my contract was renewed.

Do you regret not going to Madrid?

Regret no. That year, in fact, we won the Champions League.

Does Madrid mean anything special to you?

Madrid is Madrid. There’s nothing more to say. It’s the biggest team in the world.

What chance do you have of going through.

50%.

---