Vlahovic claims ’99 per cent’ of summer rumours were ‘nowhere close to reality’

Dusan Vlahovic has hit out at what he perceives to be lies told about him in the future amid rumours of a move away from Juventus.

Vlahovic was the star of the show for Juventus as they drew 4-4 in a thriller against Borussia Dortmund to open their Champions League campaign. The Serbian netted twice and got an assist for the last-gasp equaliser, and it came just days after the 4-3 win over Inter in Turin.

Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!

For Milan fans, it feels like a kick in the teeth. Vlahovic was heavily linked with a move all summer but did not end up arriving, although nothing has since come out to suggest that he was every really that close to joining, given his salary situation. However, a free transfer next year could be possible.

‘Not been an easy time’

After the full-time whistle at the Allianz Stadium, Vlahovic spoke to Sky Italia (via Football Italia) and attempted to pick apart a crazy night, also addressing the rumours about his future.

“Experience will help, as we are a young team. However, we need to play better, to read the games better and not keep conceding so many goals, especially straight after we score every time. It keeps happening. We won a few days ago, we drew this time, but we can learn a lot and the important thing is that we didn’t lose.

“It is up to the coach to choose who plays, I work hard every day in training and am ready to do what I am asked, I am at the disposal of the team. I’ve been a starter for most of my career and have always scored goals.

“Nowadays with five substitutions, those who come off the bench are increasingly important. Of course everyone loves to start, but I respect the choices of the coach and try to deliver when called upon.

“It has not been an easy time for me, there was talk every day, many things that I can say now 99 per cent of which was nowhere close to reality. That can disturb a person, but I found strength in this and every day you must prove yourself, to always be hungry.

“I am never satisfied, so today I scored two goals and provided an assist, but I wanted a third. The expectations are always high for myself and that pushes me on. I play for a marvellous team, one of the most important clubs in the world, and I cannot complain. I just have to knuckle down, put myself at the disposal of the team and keep going.

“Naturally, there is criticism when a striker doesn’t score goals. I used to struggle more with that when I was younger, but I am maturing and improving, I’m learning to deal with that better and believe I can continue to improve. I have to train harder than anyone and be ready when called upon.”