“McKennie and Locatelli will be the leaders of the new Juventus” – former Bianconeri defender highlights fresh figureheads in Turin | OneFootball

Speaking in an interview with Juventus Play, former Old Lady defender Danilo has addressed the potential leaders for Luciano Spalletti’s new-look Juventus.

The 34-year-old, now at Flamengo in his home country of Brazil, turned out 213 times for the Turin giants alongside some of the clubs greatest players and knows a thing or two about dressing room chemistry.

Talking about the change in atmosphere when iconic figures like Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, and Leonardo Bonucci departed, he emphasised the importance of new faces in the captain’s quarters. “When they started to leave, I knew someone had to take their place.”

Throw that sentiment forward to now, and Danilo has identified Manuel Locatelli and Federico Gatti as the current key figures amongst the playing staff. He also dedicated particular attention to Weston McKennie, revealing an interesting story way back when the Bicas-born defender wore the armband and the American was an understudy.

Danilo urged him to become a key figure in the team, saying, “Wes, you can become important here; you’ve experienced important locker rooms.” For the Brazilian watching from afar, the real challenge lies in conveying the club’s values ​​to foreign players, and seeing McKennie’s commitment and dedication seemingly represents “the greatest joy”.

GIFN | Max Bradfield