Federico Chiesa arrived at Liverpool last summer and whilst he certainly hasn’t made a big impact on the pitch, he’s managed to find his way into the heart of many supporters.
A lack of complaining despite Arne Slot largely ignoring him has been endearing, and Liverpool fans love to sing about how he walked out on Juventus to instead try his luck at Anfield.
However, like many football chants it doesn’t represent reality. Chiesa was edged out the door by Juventus who didn’t want to give him a renewal on the same terms, feeling his salary level was too high when compared to his impact.
It got bitter, and the 27-year-old was fortunate Liverpool turned up.
Chiesa has granted an interview to [Gazzetta dello Sport](http://gazzetta.it), and on the subject of being forced out of Juventus, he said: _“I was never offered a renewal, there were contacts to talk about it after the European Championship but no one ever got back to me. When I returned after the holidays and the wedding I immediately spoke to Thiago Motta, who told me clearly and bluntly: “You are not part of the project, find yourself a team”. However, I feel great affection for Juve and the fans.”_
The Italy international was even ostracised from the squad, such was Juventus’ desire to part ways: _“I trained with other players who were in the same situation as me. They were clear from day one, they made me work for two weeks with the team, then Motta didn’t want me anymore. I am a professional, I accepted and continued training to find another team. It was a great disappointment because I care a lot about Juventus and I thought I could still give a lot.”_
Now Chiesa may be about to change clubs again, having failed to make himself a major part of the Liverpool squad.
Gazzetta asked the player, who is desperate to force his way back into the Italy team, whether he’s thinking of returning to Serie A this summer, with AC Milan an option: _“It will be a topic to address in the summer. My agent, my family and I have an excellent relationship with Liverpool. The goal is to be ready for the training camp, we will look for the best solution for everyone.”_
Asked if it’s Italy or the national team which he misses the most, Chiesa said: _“The national team: wearing that shirt is incredible.”_
The 27-year-old appears to be pining for a return, but it’s a question of who he can tempt in Serie A to sign him. There’s been talk of a potential loan with Liverpool paying as much as 50% of his wages, which doesn’t sound like a great deal for the Reds.