Blaise Matuidi says joining Juventus was “an easy choice” and he hopes to be at the club “for a long time” having made a superb impact in his first appearances for the club.

The French midfielder was speaking to the clubs official website and spoke of his first derby emotions and the season ahead in black and white.

“The motivations are always high for a derby,” the Frenchman continued, “and winning it is a special feeling.”

Next up is Juventus’ second outing in the Champions League, at home to Olympiacos, and Matuidi wants to carry on the club’s excellent domestic form into Europe as well: “We’ve built up some confidence and we have to continue in this way: it’s vital we win at home, even though we know there are no easy games in the Champions League.”

GLAD TO BE A BIANCONERO

Inquiries were initially made back in 2016, but it was only this summer that Matuidi completed his transfer to Juve. Since then, he’s settled into life as a Bianconeri player extremely quickly.

“I had been in contact with Juventus the year before, but for a variety of reasons the move didn’t come about. As they say, better late than never. I’m here now, I’m very happy and I hope to stay for a long time.”

THE RIGHT CLUB FOR ME

Matuidi is convinced Juventus are the right club for him to continue his career and reach the next level. “It was an easy choice,” he said, “because Juventus are a world-class club. The club has won a lot of trophies and has a lot more to win. My France team-mates Patrice Evra and Paul Pogba have spoken to me about it, along with the coach Didier Deschamps.

“I’m settling in well. I was given the best-possible welcome and I’m proud to be part of this group. I already understood a bit of Italian and this made everything much easier, especially understanding the coach’s instructions and my team-mates’ advice.”

ACTIONS STRONGER THAN WORDS

Matuidi is a firm believer that actions speak louder than words and tries to apply this motto to his football: “The most important thing isn’t what you say but showing what you’re capable of on the pitch and giving everything for the team.

“This is my approach to life as well, even with my family and children. I believe simplicity is what matters most.”

HAPPY IN A TWO OR A THREE-MAN MIDFIELD

Whether it’s a midfield two or a three, Matuidi is ready to play in whatever tactical system the coach decides. “There’s no difference,” he insisted. “I’ve played in a midfield three at club level and as part of a two for my national team.

“The main thing is understanding the role and being able to adapt. Every match is different and how you adjust tactically is vital to keep improving.”

PRAISE FOR DYBALA AND HIGUAIN

Matuidi concluded with a few words on his Argentinian team-mates, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain: “Dybala is a great player, one of the best in the world, and we’re lucky to have such an exceptional team-mate. I hope he can continue as he’s doing.

“Like any striker, Higuain needs to score but every player goes through periods when they’re not getting as many goals. He’ll definitely score plenty this season too and help us to achieve our objectives.”

The interview originally appeared on Juventus.com