Mario Mandzukic was officially presented as a Juventus player today and revealed he joined the Bianconeri so he no longer has to face them on the pitch.

The Croatian striker completed his transfer from Atletico Madrid having faced Juve in last season’s Champions League, as well as in 2013 when he played for Bayern Munich.

“It’s always very difficult to play against Juventus,” Mandzukic said at his press conference.

“In particular against the defence, those were some of the most difficult matches of my career. That was part of my decision, I no longer have to play against Juventus! I’m thrilled to be playing for this team.

“Every player builds their own career, let’s see what happens with mine.”

Mandzukic was quizzed about a possible Juve target in the shape of Mario Gotze and revealed some of his former team mates characteristics.

“I’ve played with him [at Bayern], he could play in any team.

“He’s a player of great quality, and a good guy.

“As for Pirlo and Tevez , they’re great players, who any team would miss.

“But as some leave, others arrive. Juve are always thinking ahead, there are new recruits, fresh faces and I hope we can be as strong as last season.

“Juventus are used to winning, winning titles and achieving things, and I hope that I can give my contribution to that.”

The striker also revealed his new shirt number as ’17’, previously worn by Juve legend David Trezeguet.

“I’m not going to promise a certain number of goals, I just promise to always make myself available for the team and do my best.

“As for my number, I’ve chosen 17, because of my beginnings in Croatia in the second division, and when I started with the professionals I kept 17.

“The number 17 is also what I wear for the national team, I had the opportunity to choose, so that’s what I did. I hope it will be lucky for me, as it always has been.”

Closing out the conference, Mandzukic addressed the clubs ambitions for the coming season while reflecting on last seasons Champions League disappointment.

“Nobody expected that Juventus would get to the final,” the striker said.

“It’s testament to the good work done by the team and the Coach . I saw the final, the teams were well-matched and had opportunities to win.

“Juventus were just a bit less lucky. Unfortunately in the final they didn’t make it, but often it’s a good thing for the next season if you start where you ended, wanting to win the coveted trophy.”

Image from Juventus.com