Matuidi explains his Juventus exit

Blaise Matuidi has explained the reasons behind his decision to swap Juventus for David Beckham’s MLS franchise Inter Milan.

After enjoying three marvelous years at Juventus, Matuidi will move across the Atlantic to link up with newly-promoted MLS side Inter Milan.

The parties have agreed on a three-year deal that will see the 33-year-old become David Beckham’s first marquee signing in the United States.

Despite being in his twilight years, the French midfielder played a pivotal role in Juve’s record-extending ninth successive Serie A title.

He joined perennial Italian champions from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 and moved on to register 133 appearances for the Turin giants.

Matuidi has now reflected on his behind-the-scene talks with Inter Miami and his struggle with the COVID-19.

“The time had come for a change of direction,” the Frenchman said, as relayed by Football Italia.

“The first contact with Inter Miami was in December, but at the time, I said it was too early in my career, as the Euros were coming up and we didn’t have all these COVID problems. The way I saw it, I’d obviously stay at Juve.

“When they called me again in June, the context had changed. Staying in quarantine made me realize I had to think about my family and spend more time with them. I looked back over my career and thought, what else are you looking for?

“Being one of the first players to test positive for this virus made me reflect on the meaning of life.

“At the start, I was told I’d recover in a couple of weeks, but I had two, then three tests, always positive, so that sparked a little panic. It was wonderful to get back on the pitch.

“I made the decision at the start of July and asked the Juventus directors to terminate the contract a year early. At the time, I didn’t know we were getting a new coach.”

Matuidi should bring much-needed experience and winning mentality to a relatively inexperienced Inter Miami side, as they look to bounce back after a torrid start to their MLS adventure.

Beckham’s team had lost all five of their opening top-flight fixtures before the coronavirus pandemic halted proceedings in the United States’ elite club competition.