TURIN, ITALY (AP) – United States winger Tim Weah has a lot to live up to after joining Juventus from Lille.
Not only is he the son of one of the top players to have plied his trade in Italian football – former FIFA Player of the Year and current Liberian President George Weah – but the 23-year-old will have to replace Juan Cuadrado.
The Colombia international signed a one-year deal with Inter Milan on Wednesday after eight seasons at Juventus.
“Definitely a responsibility, because what he’s done at the club has been amazing, I mean for me he’s a legend,” Weah said about Cuadrado in a news conference on Thursday. “Just watching his every move, his plays and what he’s done for the club has been great. And, you know, I can only just be inspired.
“So, you know, I just pray and hopefully, you know, I put in the work, work hard and … definitely some big shoes to fill. But I’m ready for the challenge.”
Weah’s father also played in Italy, for AC Milan, but recently told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport that he would have loved to play for Juventus.
In a deal completed at the start of the month, Juventus will pay Lille EUR10.3 million (now USD11.5 million) for Weah, plus up to EUR2.1 million in bonuses.
“Very easy choice for me,” Weah said. “From the moment I heard that they were interested, I knew that I wanted to come here and I wanted to create my own history here and be a part of this beautiful organisation.
“From a young age my dad has always supported Juventus so I think it was such a coincidence that, you know, that opportunity came. And I’m just so, so happy and proud to be here.”
Weah’s mother has also played a significant role in his football choices, with the winger explaining she is the reason he chose the number 22 shirt.
