Tévez: Juventus can rely on old guard

Carlos Tévez has already helped Juventus secure a fourth successive Serie A title and end a two-decade wait for Coppa Italia glory. Having won the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United FC in his debut season in the competition, the Argentina forward is now seeking a second triumph in Europe and a Bianconeri treble.

The 31-year-old has been in scintillating form under Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri, scoring 29 in 46 outings in all competitions this term. With the Berlin showpiece against FC Barcelona looming, Tévez tells UEFA.com why he has thrived under the former AC Milan boss and what his side need to do to lift the trophy.

UEFA.com: You grew up in one of the most disadvantaged areas of the Buenos Aires region; did that have an impact on your style of play?

Carlos Tévez: It's a period in my life that I will never forget. I wouldn't change my childhood in Fuerte Apache for anything, because it made me who I am today.

UEFA.com: Your first foray in Europe's elite competition came in 2007/08 with Manchester United. How good was that side?

Tévez: We had a very strong team, which included the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. We reached the final twice [in 2007/08 against Chelsea FC and in 2008/09 versus Barcelona] – we won the first one but lost the second against Barça. It was a side that had a lot of strong characters.

UEFA.com: Allegri has won a domestic double in his first season as Juve coach. How has his management style helped you improve?

Tévez: He allows me to play freely, to play the way I know how. That is why I have performed better this year compared to last season.

UEFA.com: One of the greatest goalkeepers of modern times will be between the sticks for La Vecchia Signora in Berlin. How much confidence do you gain from Gianluigi Buffon?

Tévez: We know that Gigi is a phenomenon. Having him in goal gives us outfield players confidence. Scoring a goal against Gigi is difficult – that is the extra bit of security he provides.

UEFA.com: In the final you will take on a Barcelona side featuring Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez. Can Juve beat them?

Tévez: They're the best team in the world and we'll face the best three strikers, so we will have to work extremely hard and our performance will need to be better than perfect.

UEFA.com: You are set to feature in a third UEFA Champions League final alongside team-mate Patrice Evra. Does his presence on the field help you?

Tévez: He has always been a leader. His presence benefits the team, especially me, because he is like a brother – a great friend. So I prefer it when we are together.

UEFA.com: How does it feel when you hear the UEFA Champions League anthem?

Tévez: The anthem is something special. It's a unique experience when you hear it before a match.