Pjanic reveals Dybala's message after collapsed Juve talks and blames Koeman

Miralem Pjanic admits he’d like to return to Italy and reveals what Paulo Dybala told him after Juventus decided not to extend his contract.

The Bosnia international spent four seasons at Juventus playing under Massimiliano Allegri and Maurizio Sarri. He joined Barcelona in a swap deal with Arthur in 2020, but failed to settle in with Ronald Koeman so he joined Besiktas on loan last summer.

“Istanbul is so nice, except for the traffic, but I haven’t lost sight of Italy, it’s my second home,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I miss it and honestly, I’d be happy to return. Italy’s World Cup elimination hit me as I were Italian.”

The former Juventus and Roma midfielder admitted that he could have returned to Turin last summer.

“I could not continue with him [Koeman]. He was disrespectful. Laporta took a great decision by hiring Xavi. Now the group is strong and united and everyone knows what to do.

“There were a few contacts [with Juventus], but in the end nothing happened because of economic reasons. To me, it wasn’t about the money. I’d like to be important in a project and win the Scudetto. I have hunger, experience, almost 700 games. I can aim at big targets, no?”

How was his time at Juventus under Sarri and Allegri?

“Sarri is crazy for football, a top coach. There was another mistake. I was obsessed with the number of touches per game, 150, and I lost sight of my football.

“I respect Allegri as a coach and even more as a man. It’s crazy to criticise him. I think he is the right person for Juventus and the results say he’s doing a good job. Nobody says that he is the best coach under pressure.

“I remember 2018, we won 3-2 against Inter, but we were on the brink. He had a great speech, he was very calm, and we turned that calm into strength.”

The game that Pjanic mentioned (Inter-Juve in 2018) is the same where he escaped a second yellow card for a foul on Rafinha. Four years later, Napoli and Inter fans are still complaining about that incident.

“I’d say stop, let’s talk about something else,” said Pjanic.

“I jumped to get the ball, I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I am aware I could have got a second yellow card, but the first one was unfair. After so many years, I’d like people to remember our comeback, not Orsato’s decision.”

The Bianconeri and the Nerazzurri meet again next weekend, what game does he expect?

“It’s 50-50, I think Paulo Dybala could decide it. I think he’ll start the game. Paulo has the mentality of a champion, he’ll be ready.

“I immediately wrote to him when I heard the news [that he’d not renew with Juventus]. He is a friend and I0’ve always liked to play with him. I wrote to him that he is a big champion and he said: ‘Thanks brother, I love you.’

“I think I know how he feels. He’s always played even when he wasn’t 100% fit, he’s never decided not to play to protect himself. However, I also understand the club. They’ve been very clear. I think they chose a different project with players who are more suited to a certain idea.”