OMNISPORT 

Gonzalo Higuain has relished being turned into a "machine of war" during his first six months with Serie A champions Juventus.

The Argentina international has scored 15 goals in 24 appearances since completing a €90million transfer from rivals Napoli in July.

The striker admits that adapting to his new surroundings in Turin has taken time but he believes he is thriving in a similarly competitive environment to that which he experienced with Real Madrid.

"It's been difficult at times but they have helped me, and I knew what I was coming to," he told Tuttosport.

"It's very similar - Real Madrid and Juventus will scrap to reach the end of each competition. The fans of both are demanding. They are two worlds that are quite similar from that point of view.

"Juve are born to win. It's the only thing that matters here and they prepare you for that, turn you into a machine of war."

Higuain, who scored the winner when his old side Napoli visited Juventus Stadium in October, is looking forward to the return match at the San Paolo on April 2 after admitting to agonising over whether or not to accept Juve's offer.

"When my brother told me Juve wanted me, I stayed calm," he said. "It was a difficult decision. Coming here and leaving Napoli has not been easy but I knew it would be the best choice for me. I can assure you it was not a decision taken in a couple of days.

"It'll be exciting, as I had three marvellous years in Naples and will always be grateful to the fans. I left Maurizio Sarri and the team on good terms and still keep in contact with many of my former team-mates. Not with the president [Aurelio De Laurentiis], though!"