Trezeguet: I could have joined Barcelona in 2004, but new coach Capello called to persuade me to stay

The Trento Sports Festival was recently held in Italy, gathering many important figures in the football world, many of whom have now transitioned from player status to other roles. The 47-year-old French forward Trezeguet also attended the event. The star, who was born in Rouen, France and has Argentinian ancestry, has won the World Cup and European Cup with the French national team. He revealed at the event that as early as 2004, he was very close to joining Barcelona, ​​but was ultimately dissuaded from staying by the then newly appointed Juventus coach Capello.

Trezeguet said: "I could have gone to Barcelona in 2004, but Capello called me and said to me: 'Where are you going?'" Trezeguet recalled. The striker joined Juventus from Monaco in 2000, eventually playing in Turin until 2010. Capello had just finished his coaching career at Roma (1999–2004) and was set to take over as Juventus coach that summer. "I didn't expect him to come to Juventus," Trezeguet admitted. He added that Capello has begun to pave the way for his arrival behind the scenes, and letting Trezeguet stay is a key step in this.

In 320 games played for Juventus, Trezeguet scored a total of 171 goals, which is quite impressive. It is worth mentioning that in the summer of 2004, Barcelona finally signed Eto'o from Mallorca. The Cameroon forward who was abandoned by Real Madrid later flourished in Barcelona. He played 232 times and scored 154 goals between 2004 and 2009, helping the team win 3 La Liga championships and 2 Champions League championships, and scored in both 2006 and 2009 Champions League finals.

Similar stories also come from Del Piero's camp. His agent Claudio Pasqualin revealed that Barcelona also extended an invitation to Del Piero in 1997, but ultimately chose Rivaldo instead of him.

However, whether it is Del Piero or Trezeguet, staying at Juventus has become the most representative decision in their careers. Especially after the "Calciopoli" scandal in 2006, they chose to stay and compete with the team in Serie B, which will be remembered by fans.

Trezeguet recalled: "In 2006, I felt it was time to repay the club's kindness. Juventus treated us well and they understood any player who wanted to leave. From a competitive point of view, it was indeed a step back. When we played against LeBron James last season When we said goodbye in the Gina game, we were still talking about winning the Champions League. But in Serie B, the situation is different. The away games are like a festival. I see that the Juventus fans are more eager to support the team than before."

"I am very happy in Turin. Playing at such a great club makes me feel like I'm in the most important team in the world. After the club changed management in 2006, they trusted me again and told me they wanted me to score 15 goals, and I did score 15 goals. When you join Juventus, you will feel happy; when you leave, you will understand what you have lost. ”

He also compared this experience with his later experience of joining River Plate, when the Argentine giants were in the second division.

Trezeguet said: "I played in Arab football, where the atmosphere was more festive. But one day I received a call from Almeida and President Passarella, and they asked me if I would like to help the team in the second division like I did at Juventus. I just wanted to To rediscover real football. Indeed, it was subtle: Serie B is not Serie A, but I didn’t think much about it, and people still thank me for it.”

Just like at Juventus, Trezeguet’s decision to stay is more remembered than the goals he scored.