Koopmeiners explains Premier League snub for Juventus, what De Ligt said ‘was true’ | OneFootball

Teun Koopmeiners confirms he didn’t consider offers from Premier League clubs last summer as he only wanted to join Juventus: ‘I noted that everything De Ligt had told me was true.’

The Dutch midfielder moved to the Allianz Stadium from Atalanta in a €59.7m deal last summer.

There were reports that Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham were interested in securing his services, but the 26-year-old had clear ideas about his future.

“There were English clubs interested, but when I learned about Juventus’ interest, I had no doubts,” he told Tuttosport.

“I’ve liked this club since I arrived in Italy. It’s the most important club in Italy and in the world. I’ve been following Juventus since I was a kid in the Netherlands. They had great champions. I loved Zidane. Being here is a dream. There are some great clubs in England too, but it’s all better here. I know the league, your country, that is so beautiful, the teams we face and the weather in general.

Koopmeiners explains Premier League snub for Juventus, what De Ligt said ‘was true’

epa09858861 Matthijs de Ligt of the Netherlands reacts during the International Friendly soccer match between the Netherlands and Germany in Amsterdam, Netherlands, 29 March 2022. EPA-EFE/MAURICE VAN STEEN

“I have experience in football. I had never been here, but I knew the club’s history,” he continued.

“When I arrived, I noted that everything De Ligt had told me was true. From services to training facilities and people’s kindness. Truly fantastic. It’s all great here at Juventus, the first day was like a dream. I repeat: I’ve been working to be here since I was a kid. In the past, I often told my girlfriend that my objective was to play for Juventus, but now I’ve made it.”

Koopmeiners practically missed the entire pre-season with Atalanta while pushing for a move to the Allianz Stadium. Juventus and La Dea only reached an agreement in the final days of the summer transfer window.

“It was a difficult summer, but I remember the cab trip from Bergamo to Turin with my girlfriend,” he recalled.

“I received the green light the previous night. When I went to sleep, I hadn’t digested the news, but during the trip, I told Rosa, ‘Finally,’, it was like all the pressure had gone.”

Koopmeiners sustained a rib fracture last month and recently returned to action for the Old Lady.

“It’s been quite difficult because it’s an injury you feel in every movement,” he said.

“Even breathing was harsh! I had to cope with this situation for two to three weeks, and when you struggle with every breath, it’s not easy. Even sleeping was challenging. I had to sleep on a couch because there was more pressure if I slept horizontally on the bed. I feel better now. It’s still not comfortable, but now I can handle it.

“I feel well mentally but am not fully fit because I could not run for three weeks, but my head is ready.”

Koopmeiners has one assist in 10 appearances across all competitions with the Old Lady this season. The Bianconeri’s next Serie A match is on Saturday against their city rivals Torino.