Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso calls Thiago Motta a 'visionary' and insists the Bianconeri are a 'point of arrival' in his career despite rumours of an interest from Real Madrid.

The Italy international released an interview with Corriere dello Sport, talking about his life and career on and off the pitch.

Cambiaso returned to Juventus in 2022 after a one-year loan spell at Bologna, where he played under Thiago Motta. What do Juventus mean to him?

"History of Italian football, a second family and a massive point of arrival in my career," he said.

Following Dani Carvajal's injury, Cambiaso has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

"Only being linked with a club like Real Madrid feels like something bigger than me. I am proud of the admirers I may have; it's motivating to know that somebody appreciates you, but I haven't received any proposal. In any case, Juventus are my Real Madrid," said the Italian defender.

"I've extended until 2029 and I want to stay for as long as possible."

Are Juventus among the title contenders this season?

"We are worthy of the top spots, and Juventus always play to win," he said.

"Inter are the favourite, and we may meet them in two weeks. Before that, we have Lazio and Stuttgart, two very high mountains. We are among the best."

How about Antonio Conte's Napoli?

"Their strength is impressive. It was an excellent test, but De Rossi's Roma was more complicated for us."

Cambiaso doesn't like video games and doesn't use social media much.

"True, I don't condemn video games," he admitted.

"They keep you busy and avoid doing silly things. But personally, I prefer playing golf or reading some books to relax a bit."

How has he supported Paul Pogba and Nicolò Fagioli during their time on the sidelines?

"It's not easy to help. You can do it with a good word, but it's not always enough," admitted Cambiaso.

"You really know some evils when you face them. Teammates and friends can't pretend to be psychologists or doctors as well because we don't have the competence to solve specific problems."

Is the fixture list too busy these days?

"I'd always stay on the pitch, but there have indeed been many injuries lately," conceded Cambiaso.

"It's not only about the physical aspect. It's about psychology as well. When you are tired before entering the pitch, you don't run well, and putting your feet in the wrong position is easier. There has probably been an exaggeration in recent years."

Cambiaso revealed he plays fantasy football and has bought some of his teammates and himself.

"I ruined myself for Vlahovic. I feel he'll score at least 20 goals, and I want to help him," he said.

"I spent 10% of the budget on myself and invested the rest in Dusan and Di Gregorio because I understood from the very first training session that we would not concede much."

Which book is he currently reading?

"'No dickheads' a book about the All Blacks, which Spalletti also mentioned. I want to be a better teammate and a better professional. These lads are among the most successful in the world. They clean the dressing room and their boots and help each other in difficult moments. They are heroes and still do it, so why shouldn't Cambiaso do it?"

What's his relationship with defeat?

"Difficult. As a kid, I isolated myself; I felt bad," Cambiaso admitted.

"Now, I am improving, but it's still difficult to stay around me when I lose."

What sort of coach is Thiago Motta?

"Even in Bologna, he taught me things I had never seen. He's even more determined now," replied the Juventus defender.

"We don't have a role, but we occupy a space. He has his own way of managing the group. We don't know who plays until a few hours before the match, which raises the internal competition level. He always has a surprise ready, and if he's made no mistake so far, it means he's a visionary."

How about his predecessor Massimiliano Allegri, Cambiaso's first coach at Juventus?

"I really love Max. Both he and Landucci have always supported me," said the defender.

"What Allegri left me is mental balance. At the beginning of the last season, I wanted to take on the world, and he was like, 'Calm, calm.' Too much recklessness burned me out, and he was the first to give me a comfortable pair of shoes to go far."