Juan Cuadrado has put pen to paper on a year-long loan deal with Serie A champions Juventus, ending his nightmare spell in the English Premier League with Chelsea, albeit temporarily for now.
The Colombian ace arrive Stamford Bridge in February from Fiorentina as one of the best players in the Serie A, but the English top division has proved a difficult place for Cuadrado to adapt. Although he won the league title and the Capital One cup with Chelsea, he failed to score or provide an assist for the west London club.
“We all know Juve is a great club, among the best teams in Europe. They have everything to win the Scudetto [Serie A],” Cuadrado said, on signing for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
“I hope I can give Juventus my best, 100 per cent. I didn’t expect to receive such a warm welcome from the fans in Italy but they have always welcomed me with open arms and that makes me very happy.
“The fans’ support will give me further motivation to do well.”
Cuadrado shone for Colombia at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil but he has struggled to come to terms with English football after moving from Fiorentina for £23.3m on a four-and-a-half year deal.
It has been largely claimed that Paul Pogba could move the other direction, with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho keen on the Frenchman.
Meanwhile, Cuadrado has expressed excitement at the prospect of playing for Juventus – who won the Serie A title last term, and also got to the Champions League final in Berlin.
“The league has only started and we hope we can defend the title,” the winger said.
“I want to prepare well for every game and then the coach will decide. I just have to work hard and play my game.”
The loan move to Juventus will include an option for the Turin outfit to sign Cuadrado permanently if they wish at the end of the loan spell.
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