The international Cypriot midfielder, Grigoris Kastanos, who has been at Juventus since 2014, talks to Sport24.gr about the football life next to Cristiano Ronaldo, a few days after the amazing hat-trick of the Portuguese against Atletico.
Last January, Grigoris Kastanos signed a new contract with Juventus until 2022. The 21-year-old Cypriot midfielder has belonged to the "bianconeri" since 2014, who, showing faith in his potential, decided to extend their cooperation for the next three years.
The international midfielder has not played with the first team until today, but most of the time he trains with Cristiano Ronaldo and his team, which on Tuesday (12/3) overturned the 0-2 of the first match with Atletico Madrid. and with a hat-trick by the Portuguese in Turin (3-0) passed to the "8" of the Champions League. Kastanos, who officially watched the historic game with the "Rochiblancos" at the Allianz Stadium "described to Sport24.gr how he lived the unforgettable match and referred to the football life next to one of the top players in the history of football, Cristiano Ronaldo .
The 21-year-old midfielder spoke about the advice that the Portuguese has given him since the day he left Madrid and Real for the Italian team, about the way the "Big Lady" works, about the owner Andrea Anielli, about the team's twitter of him, for his football model and for his style which according to the Italians refers to ερ Fernando Redondo.
"In the third goal I felt proud to be a member of this great team"
- You were present in the historic game with Atletico, even from the stands. How did you experience it? Describe to me your feelings and the atmosphere, especially after the third goal.
"I was there, in the big qualifier against Atletico. I went with my teammates to enjoy this great game. I usually do not go to the stadium, but I could not miss this game. The atmosphere was fantastic. Juventus played a very strong game. In the third goal I felt proud to be a footballer of such a great team ".
- In the days before the match with Atletico, did you train with the first team? What was Allegri telling you?
"Yes, I am very often with the first team. The atmosphere was fantastic, because everyone believed in qualifying. The coach told us to believe in ourselves and that we will make a big match to pass. Even after the first match, everyone had faith and knew that it was possible with work and training, to become the perfect game for qualification to come. My teammates saw what mistakes were made in Spain and in the rematch they were not made again ".
- What did your teammates tell you before the match? Did you happen to talk to someone from the first group?
"Everyone was optimistic. "They prepared seriously, because they knew they had to play the perfect game to get through."
"Cristiano is from another planet. He is the example for everyone in the club "
- Do you have a good relationship with Cristiano? Did you say anything to him after the match with Atletico? Did he tell you something?
"I did not see him after the game with Atletico, because I was with K23 all week."
- How is he generally like a human being? How does he behave in training and towards his teammates?
"He is the example for everyone in the club. Very good human. He gives you instructions and tries to help the little ones. It's from another planet. "
- Has Cristiano ever advised you on anything? Have you asked him for advice?
"Cristiano has advised me on how to manage myself, to do the appropriate exercises before and after training, but also tips in the gym. I try to take the example from him on and off the field. He enjoys every moment of it ".
- With the renewal of your contract, they showed Juventus that they believe in you. Do you think it is a matter of time before you play in the first team? Or do you find it too difficult?
"This year I am closer to the first team than any other year. It is an honor for me to train with the men and go on a mission with such a large team. I am close to great footballers and people. I always give my best and I believe that one day I will be able to get minutes of participation ".
"My role model is Di Maria, Redondo style"
- Describe to me how Juventus works as a club…
"Respect for the rules. This is the key to the team. Discipline and absolute dedication to work in training and competitions ".
- Have you ever talked to Anieli? What kind of person is he?
"Yes, I have spoken to him. He is a calm and very smart president. I respect him very much ".
- Who is your teammate who makes the most plates? Who is the most serious?
"Everyone makes jokes where they can, they know the limits. Also, everyone is serious at the right time. However, those who are the biggest twitterers are the Latin Americans, Dimbala, Douglas Costa, Alex Sandro and Caceres ".
- What are your dreams in football? What is your goal?
"My dream is one day to play in the Champions League and win titles in my career. To be an important player and protagonist. I hope all this is in Juventus ".
- Describe to me how you spend your 24 hours while you are a member of this huge club.
"Usually we have morning training with the first team. So sometimes I do morning workouts with men and in the afternoon with the latter. I am 21 years old and I continue to improve. After training I go out for coffee or dinner with friends and teammates. I can say that I spend my 24 hours in Turin beautifully and pleasantly ".
- Do you have a player as a role model?
"I really like Di Maria. "Many here in Italy tell me that my style is similar to that of Fernando Redondo."