Kalulu reflects on his move to Juventus: “Motta called me and said…”

Pierre Kalulu is gearing up for a special Milan-Juventus match, marking his first appearance at San Siro as an ex-Milan player. After four seasons with the Rossoneri, the French defender made a surprising move to Juventus last summer on a loan deal with an option to buy. Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Kalulu shared insights into his career and aspirations during an interview with DAZN.

Reflecting on his transition from Milan to Juventus, Kalulu emphasized the importance of feeling valued by a club. He stated, “In my career, I have never made easy choices. When you feel the trust of the club and understand that someone truly wants you, you can give your all.” He described the pre-match warm-up as a significant moment where he can soak in the atmosphere, recalling his own experiences as a fan. “It’s the most beautiful moment, whether at Allianz Stadium or elsewhere. You have to remember the little kid inside you.”

Kalulu also discussed his conversation with Juventus manager Thiago Motta, who played a crucial role in his decision to join the club. “When I called the coach, he immediately asked me, ‘Are you ready to play every three days?’ I replied, ‘Yes, where do you see me playing?’ He said, ‘On the right, in the center, and on the left.’ At that moment, I thought: if he sees me everywhere, that’s perfect for me. Then he concluded by saying, ‘Know that decisions are made in training!’ And that’s how it is at Juve.”

The defender opened up about the challenges athletes face despite their seemingly perfect lives. “Our lives appear perfect, but the truth is that we professionals have tough moments too. Sometimes we don’t want to show our weaknesses; we hide them,” he admitted. Kalulu shared how growing up in a lively household made it difficult for him during solitary dinners at home. “It was tough mentally. Video games helped me because with headphones and a microphone, I could talk to my brothers.”

Addressing his competitive nature, Kalulu said, “I hate losing! If you beat me, I won’t be the same with you. It has always been like that! But the truth is that losing is part of life and helps you stay humble. At the end of the day, though, you need more small victories than defeats.”

Looking ahead at his future in football, Kalulu expressed his passion for the game: “In life, I could do many things, but I’ve realized that my only passion that makes me wake up smiling is football. I have many dreams in football: to win everything, play with my brothers, and be the strongest player. But I also want to do much more out there.”

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