Trezeguet back on the Bianconeri goal trail
Monday, February 23, 2009
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Fit again after knee surgery, Juventus striker David Trezeguet scored his first Serie A goal since last May when he struck against US Città di Palermo on Saturday to end what has been a frustrating period for the Frenchman.
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Waiting for nine months is something David Trezeguet has done twice for his sons Aaron and Noraan, but rarely, if ever, has the injury-hit Juventus striker has gone that long without a goal.
First start
On Saturday night the Frenchman – who had surgery on both knees in September – banished his injury blues by scoring the Bianconeri's second in the 2-0 win at US Città di Palermo, his first strike in Serie A since 17 May. Starting his first league game of the season, Trezeguet's 79th-minute flick deflected in off Palermo defender Simon Kjær to take his tally for Juventus to 161 goals and confirm a victory which leaves La Vecchia Signora nine points adrift of pacesetters FC Internazionale Milano.
'Very happy'
"I'm very happy because I returned to the starting XI and I scored after four difficult months," said the 31-year-old, who is fifth on the club's all-time goalscoring list. "Me and the whole team played well against a strong side that caused us a few problems. My team-mates wanted me to wear the captain's armband in the absence of Alex [Alessandro Del Piero]. It was a nice gesture and it made me feel important for the team. I'm happy I repaid them with a goal."
No clues
Juventus visit Chelsea FC on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round first leg with Trezeguet facing competition from Amauri, Del Piero and Vincenzo Iaquinta for a place in attack. Asked who will play in London, Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri replied: "Watch TV on Wednesday and you will see." Amauri and Del Piero are probably favourites but ahead of the game against Palermo, Ranieri warned everybody that "Trezeguet has certainly not forgotten how to score goals".
'Best striker'
Having proved his coach right, Trezeguet expressed his joy at the attacking options the Bianconeri can boast. "I like to play with the best players and right now I think Amauri is the best striker in Serie A – today he gave me a great pass." Regardless of whether he starts or not on Wednesday, Trezeguet is just happy to be playing again. "I just hope to make my contribution on Wednesday. It's a game we have been waiting a long time for and we will give everything we have to give our fans something to celebrate."
