Juventus have announced the signing of Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado on a loan deal until the end of the season, according to the club’s official website. The 27-year-old completed his medical at the Italian club. The Colombian international expressed his delight following his move to the Italian double winners and 2014-15 Champions League finalists.
"We all know that Juve is a great club, among the best teams in Europe. They have everything to win the Scudetto (Serie A)," Cuadrado said, as quoted on Sky Sports. "I hope I can give Juventus my best, 100 per cent. I didn't expect to receive such a warm welcome from the fans in Italy but they have always welcomed me with open arms and that makes me very happy. The fans' support will give me further motivation to do well."
Cuadrado also spoke about his new team’s ambitions for the new season, and vowed to work hard over the course of the season.
"The league has only started and we hope we can defend the title. I want to prepare well for every game and then the coach will decide. I just have to work hard and play my game."
Juan Cuadrado made his mark on the footballing world with some superb performances in the 2014 World Cup. Along with James Rodriguez he helped his national side to the quarter-finals, although they would eventually get knocked out of the tournament by the hosts Brazil. His impressive performances in Brazil caught the attention of many of the top clubs across Europe, though he had to wait till February to get his first move to a big club.
The switch from Italy to England didn’t favour the pacy winger as he struggled to live up to his price tag. He only made 12 appearances for the Blues and never really made his mark at the Bridge. He made only four starts and came off the bench as a substitute 8 times during his short spell, with Mourinho limiting his game time by picking Willian ahead of ex-Fiorentina player.
The recent arrival of the Spanish star Pedro Rodriguez hampered the hopes of Cuadrado getting into Chelsea’s starting line up, which helped Juventus to pounce on the current situation and captured the signing of the unsettled Colombian.
Juventus begin their Serie A title defence with a 1-0 defeat at home to Udinese on Sunday and take on last season's runners-up Roma at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend.
Cuadrado might be able to make his first start for the Juventus when the Turin-based side take on Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. The Bianconeri will be looking to take three points from the match against their closest rivals for the title this season, after starting the season in terrible fashion with a 1-0 defeat at home.