Toronto FC attacker Federico Bernardeschi was exclusively interviewed by TLN TV Host Antonio Giorgi to discuss his transfer to Canada, Major League Soccer, his life at Juventus and Fiorentina, Cristiano Ronaldo, his future with the Azzurri, and much more.
Transfer to TFC
Bernardeschi made the switch to Toronto on a free transfer in the Summer of 2022, surprising many soccer fans.
“I believe that I finished a journey at Juventus… There were various teams we spoke to, and various teams that came forward… They’re important names and I thank them, but there were little things that didn’t work out one way or another… With TFC everything went smooth…”
Major League Soccer
Soccer in North America has taken great strides in recent times to raise the level of quality and improve the exposure of the league worldwide.
“I think the MLS has a great future, I think they have very big projects, not only here in Toronto as they’re showing, but for the entire league… This is good for all soccer worldwide but especially for soccer and sport in North America… It is beautiful to see and for sure it’s beautiful to be a part of…”
Life at Juventus
Bernardeschi spent five years in Turin. He won seven trophies throughout this period, including three Serie A titles, two Supercoppa Italiana, and two Coppa Italia.
“At Juve, you feel the pressure every day, absolutely yes, but this is part of soccer… I have to say for myself, during the first 6 months at Juve, the impact was very different than the world I was coming from, and for me, it was really hard, but after that, I lived it with lots of serenity – actually for me, I love taking on responsibility, feeling the pressure from the fans…”
Life at Fiorentina
38 matches with Fiorentina Primavera and 93 appearances with the senior team – this is where Bernardeschi broke through the ranks.
“I did really well at 18 years old in Serie B with Crotone but then I broke the malleolus of my ankle at 19… At 20 I was a starter with Fiorentina in Serie A and I spent three good years with Fiorentina as a starter and I felt like myself, in the sense when you play and have fun and are healthy, you do good and normally you feel good…”
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo joined Juventus in the Summer of 2018 for €117 million. He scored 101 goals and provided 22 assists in 134 appearances over three seasons with the Bianconeri.
“I think he has changed the history of soccer, because of his accomplishments both individually and as a team… He provided a huge lesson to everyone, which is how to work hard…”
Future With Gli Azzurri
Since making his debut in March of 2016, Bernardeschi has made 39 appearances and has scored six goals. However, various questions have arisen since making the move to the MLS about his future with his nation, despite only being 28 years of age.
“No I have not spoken to him yet, there’ll be a way and time for that…”