It was a transfer announced for several months that was made official. After 5 seasons spent with OGC Nice, Khéphren Thuram seemed to be coming to the end of his adventure in the south of France. The 23-year-old midfielder, who had known the French team after good performances with the Gym, wanted to move on to a new challenge while Liverpool and Manchester United had made it a priority. Finally, the younger brother of the Thuram siblings decided to head to Serie A, heading for Juventus.
The Italian club, in full reconstruction under the orders of Thiago Motta, had spent 25 million to afford him and to strengthen a midfield orphaned by Paul Pogba, still suspended, and Adrien Rabiot who decided not to extend. A logical choice for Khéphren Thuram, who will therefore wear the jersey of the Old Lady, like his father Lilian Thuram, more than 20 years ago. This Friday, the former Nice player was at a press conference for his presentation and he confided in his choice to join Italy, and the club of his father’s heart.
Didier Deschamps advised Juventus to Thuram
“I think Juventus was in my destiny, it’s true: since I was 17, this team has been interested in me, but I wanted to wait because I wanted to grow and improve. Many former French players spoke to me about Juventus and told me that it could be my big chance. (…) I think my characteristics are suited to Serie A, that’s also why I chose Juventus: I’m changing leagues for the first time and I know that I’ll have to challenge great champions. I also benefited from the advice I received from Didier Deschamps.”he first said before obviously mentioning the link between Juventus and his father. “My father told me that Juventus is the greatest team in the world for him and he told me to enjoy every moment spent here: it is a huge opportunity for learning and personal and professional growth”.
By choosing Juve, the native of Reggio Emilia in Italy also ensured that he would progress with a specialist in the position: Thiago Motta. The former PSG midfielder played a big part in this choice of the Frenchman, who will be able to learn alongside him. “Thiago Motta talks to me every day, he follows me closely, he gives me excellent advice that I can’t reveal to you, otherwise others might benefit from it… I really like to move the ball around, but I always try to verticalise the game by trying to be dynamic and attack if necessary. I feel like a complete player, both in attack and defence. The coach was exceptional as a player, an intelligent midfielder who knew how to work with the team: I can only learn from someone like Thiago Motta. It was certainly important in my choice to come to Juventus.”. An obvious choice therefore for Khéphren Thuram who will now have to take a step forward to convince Didier Deschamps to include him in the Blues group. And with less than two years to go until the next World Cup, it is the right time to score points…
