Teun Koopmeiners did not consider leaving Atalanta for the Premier League this past summer. The 26-year-old midfielder had only one club in mind: Juventus.
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Teun Koopmeiners, the 26-year-old Dutch midfielder, recently opened up about his decision to stay in Italy and join Juventus instead of pursuing a potential move to the Premier League.
In an interview with Tuttosport, Koopmeiners shared his excitement about the transfer and reflected on his admiration for Juventus, which dates back to his childhood.
"There were English clubs interested, but when I heard about Juventus' interest, I didn’t hesitate for a moment," he said. "I’ve admired this club since I arrived in Italy. It’s the most important club in Italy and one of the biggest in the world. The moment I knew Juventus wanted me, the decision was easy. For me, it was a unique opportunity to join a team with such a rich history and a tradition of excellence."
Koopmeiners went on to describe his fascination with Juventus, revealing that he has followed the club since he was a child growing up in the Netherlands. "I’ve been following Juventus since I was a child. They had incredible champions like Del Piero, Buffon, and Trezeguet. I loved Zidane; he was my idol. Being here now feels like a dream come true. There are also great clubs in England, but everything here is better. I know the league, the country, which is so beautiful, the competitive teams we face, and even the weather. It’s everything I had hoped for."
The Dutch international highlighted the impact of fellow countryman Matthijs de Ligt, who had previously played for Juventus and shared insights about the club. "When I arrived here, I realized that everything Matthijs de Ligt had told me was true," Koopmeiners said. "From the state-of-the-art facilities and training grounds to the warmth and kindness of the people here, it has all been fantastic. The support staff, the medical team, and everyone involved with the club make you feel at home from day one."
Reflecting on his first day at Juventus, Koopmeiners recalled the overwhelming emotions he felt. "The first day was like living a dream. I couldn’t believe I was finally here. I used to tell my girlfriend often that my goal was to play for Juventus, and now I’ve achieved it. It’s a moment I’ll never forget, and it motivates me to give my best every day for this club."
Since joining Juventus, Koopmeiners has made an immediate impact in the midfield, providing a strong physical presence and an impressive range of passing. This season, he has featured in seven Serie A matches and three Champions League games. In the domestic league, he has already contributed with an assist, showcasing his playmaking abilities. Despite not scoring yet, he remains optimistic about finding the back of the net soon.
"I’m still waiting for my first goal with Juventus, but I’m confident it will come," Koopmeiners added. "My main focus is to help the team, whether it’s by creating chances, controlling the tempo of the game, or providing defensive support. Scoring goals is part of my game, but the most important thing is that we keep winning and performing well as a team."
Koopmeiners’ commitment and enthusiasm have quickly endeared him to the Juventus fans, who appreciate his work ethic and passion for the game. As he continues to adapt and grow in his new surroundings, the Dutch midfielder is determined to make a lasting impact at the club he has admired since his youth.
