Matthijs de Ligt described his tenure at Juventus as a pivotal period in his career, emphasizing the significant role Giorgio Chiellini played in helping him integrate into one of European football’s most challenging locker rooms.
The Dutch defender, who now plays for Manchester United, joined the Turin club from Ajax in 2019 as a highly sought-after young center-back. He spent three seasons with the Bianconeri.
Speaking to Manchester United’s media channels, De Ligt discussed the initial culture shock of joining a squad filled with serial winners and how the veteran captain facilitated his transition.
“Chiellini was incredibly helpful to me from the very beginning,” De Ligt stated. “When I first arrived at Juventus, he did everything he could to help me settle in and reach my full potential as a player.”
He acknowledged that the adjustment process was far from simple.
“It was tough at the start because you enter a dressing room where these players have achieved everything,” he explained. “However, it’s essential to remain true to yourself and present your authentic self. Eventually, I realized they were just normal individuals, and we were all united by the same objective. I learned a great deal in Italy; every league offers unique lessons.”
De Ligt on Sharing a Dressing Room with Childhood Idols at Juventus
His time in Turin also presented a full-circle moment, as De Ligt found himself playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, a player he had admired since childhood, during his Juventus spell.
“I must have been around 7 or 8 years old when Manchester United won the Champions League,” he recalled. “At that time, he was undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures in the football world. His style was something everyone wanted to emulate. So yes, he was likely one of my earliest idols.”
He has since shared a pitch with another early inspiration, former Ajax player Christian Eriksen.
“In my youth team days, I also played in midfield, and he occupied the exact same position,” De Ligt said. “So, back then, he was truly the benchmark for the players I admired most.”
He added: “It’s remarkable that I eventually played alongside him, just as I did with Cristiano. He was one of my biggest idols when I was younger.”
