MY ACCOUNT
Angel Di Maria insists Juventus’ points deduction will not impact his future in Turin as he urged the Bianconeri to fight for an “extraordinary” Champions League qualification.
Danilo’s 65th-minute strike salvaged a draw in a 3-3 thriller with Atalanta on Sunday, just two days after Juve were deducted 15 points following an investigation into their past transfer dealings.
Juve are reportedly expected to appeal the punishment but Massimiliano Allegri’s side face an uphill battle to finish in Serie A’s top four, trailing fourth-placed Roma by 14 points.
Di Maria hopes Allegri’s men, who were third before Friday’s decision, can chase down Italy’s top four and a place in the Champions League next season as he outlined his commitment to the Bianconeri.
“It’s hard to be 20 points off the top out of the blue, but if we keep working with this mentality we can do something extraordinary,” Di Maria, who signed on a one-year contract in July, told DAZN.
“Nothing is impossible here. We have always seen Juve ahead and win. The important thing is to keep working to reach fourth place.
“This moment has no impact [on my future]. My decision, I take it with my family who are happy here. The club is one of the biggest in Italy and Europe.”
Di Maria scored from the penalty spot against Atalanta before assisting Danilo’s equaliser, but the Argentina international acknowledged Juve must learn from their mistakes when they host Monza on January 29.
He added: “I think we played a great game. We made some mistakes and we need to improve.”
