Gary Neville speaks about Juve

The previous year we’d been knocked out of the Uefa Cup in the first round by Rotor Volgograd. We might be champions of England but this wasn’t form to terrify the rest of the world, especially when in the autumn of 1996 we stumbled through the Champions League group stage. We lost the club’s 40-year unbeaten record at home, defeated by Fenerbahçe, and went down in both games to Juventus – the European champions, and one of the best teams I ever faced.

Juventus were unbelievably good, so big and powerful as well as packed with talent. Just standing in the tunnel next to them was intimidating. I’d never faced such a formidable team: Ferrara and Montero in defence, Deschamps, Conte and Zidane in midfield, and Del Piero with two big and dangerous strikers in Boksic and Vieri. Big names, big players, in every respect. We lost 1–0 to them in Turin, but it could have been 10–0. It was the biggest battering I’ve ever had on a football pitch. They took us to school, boys against men. We didn’t have a proper chance in the whole match. Manchester United played ninety minutes without a shot, without a sniff of a chance. It’s the only time that happened in my 602 games.

Del Piero was a class act, so sharp and elusive and intelligent. There’s a lot of thick footballers out there, players with huge talent when the ball’s at their feet but no real understanding of where to move or how best to link with their teammates. That is a criticism you’d never make of Zidane or Del Piero, and Juventus had both of them. These were the guys who made the Champions League such a massive test. They knew how to play and they were streetwise, too. They could handle themselves, and if anyone did have a go they had tough nuts like Montero to offer protection.

Makes me a proud juventino. Class act.

If only vieri had of stayed at juve longer. My favorite pure striker of all time who I reckon Matri resembles at times

Neville has alot of respect for Juve. I am certain that juventus can be so well thought of once again.

I think this is biggest complement he can give you, look how disappointed he was at the thought of the chance of playing you. The man is a legend.

Haha I hope we can bring that kind of fear back to opponents one day

If you want my honest opinion, I'm glad he has respect for us. However, his opinion does not really effect me as I don't rate him high as a player. Basically, Thanks, but no thanks.

sciacca wrote:If you want my honest opinion, I'm glad he has respect for us. However, his opinion does not really effect me as I don't rate him high as a player. Basically, Thanks, but no thanks.

Cmon man the guy is considered a legend. Whether u rate him or not he's an authoritive figure and highly regarded by many people. His opinions or beliefs for that matter must be respected

sciacca wrote:If you want my honest opinion, I'm glad he has respect for us. However, his opinion does not really effect me as I don't rate him high as a player. Basically, Thanks, but no thanks.

Well how you rate him as a player is you opinion, but the quality of his playing ability should not affect how you perceive his opinion.

pasquale22 wrote:

sciacca wrote:If you want my honest opinion, I'm glad he has respect for us. However, his opinion does not really effect me as I don't rate him high as a player. Basically, Thanks, but no thanks.

Cmon man the guy is considered a legend. Whether u rate him or not he's an authoritive figure and highly regarded by many people. His opinions or beliefs for that matter must be respected

Like I said, I respect his opinion.... even if he said bad things, I wouldn't care. He can say good or bad, the point is, I wouldn't effect me at all.

ronaldo__9 wrote:

sciacca wrote:If you want my honest opinion, I'm glad he has respect for us. However, his opinion does not really effect me as I don't rate him high as a player. Basically, Thanks, but no thanks.

Well how you rate him as a player is you opinion, but the quality of his playing ability should not affect how you perceive his opinion.

It is my opinion, but I have no problems with him... His quality and playing ability is not what I'm concerned about and it has nothing to do with that. I just don't mind what he says, that's all. No disrespect towards the player, Manchester United or any of his fans.