Tearful Alex Sandro to cherish Juve bond
Alex Sandro celebrated trophies and finals with Juventus, but says he will cherish his bond with the Bianconeri supporters the most after an emotional farewell at the weekend.
The Brazil international waved goodbye in Turin for one final time against Monza, signing off with a goal in a 2-0 victory at Allianz Stadium.
Alex Sandro, who joined the club in 2015, made a record-equalling 327 appearances for Juve, matching Pavel Nedved's tally for the joint-most by a foreign player in the club's history.
Yet, the versatile defender will be moving on to new beginnings after Juve ended the season third in Serie A.
"It was emotional for me, I have never cried so much in my life," he said.
"I am proud of myself and what I achieved. Over the last few days, I told everyone that the trophies and finals were lovely, but what I take away is the bond with the people."
Paolo Montero was in interim charge once more for the clash with Monza, in which Federico Chiesa was also on target.
The Juventus caretaker also oversaw a 3-3 draw with Bologna after Massimiliano Allegri was dismissed, and Montero acknowledged he has not changed much in terms of tactics.
"I honestly did not come here to transform anything, but to collaborate, and I am proud to be with these players," Montero said.
"Every time they play, I sit in the stands to watch them, so it was an honour to be here with them."
Montero referenced Chiesa as one of Juve's key players going forward.
"We evaluated the players in the best shape," he added. "Chiesa has the quality to play on the right, like at Fiorentina, or the left, like for Italy.
"He is a champion with a very positive mentality and is prepared for the Euros this summer.
"Chiesa makes the difference. I saw that at the stadium. If he continues to play at this tempo, he creates spaces and becomes deadly in one-on-one situations.
"These players can play wide, central, left or right. The important thing is that they have space to take men on."
