The 32-year-old speaks exclusively to Jtv: “Juve are the biggest club in Italy, with the most titles and every other player would want to be in my position”

Brazilian shotstopper Rubinho gave an in-depth interview into the life of a goalkeeper at Juventus, touching on a whole host of aspects when speaking exclusively to Jtv.

The 32-year-old, who joined the Bianconeri in August 2012, has subsequently gone on to secure two Scudetto-Super Cup doubles during his time at the club.

He commenced his chat by revealing where it all began for his career as a goalkeeper: “I started out in goal at the age of four and have remained between the sticks ever since – I’ve never thought about playing in any other position.

“I supported Corinthians while in Brazil and they had a young goalkeeper called Ronaldo who was nimble and dynamic. He was my idol as a child and now I can call him my friend.”

Since arriving in Italy nine years ago, the former Brazil Under-20 international has played for a range of clubs including Genoa and Palermo, and revealed that signing for the Bianconeri was like a dream come true.

“Coming to Italy was an important step in my career and after spending so many years in this country, when Juventus sign you, it’s like bagging an award.

“It’s the biggest club in Italy, who have won the most titles and every other player would want to be in my position.”

Rubinho went on to provide insight into what it’s like to work with fellow custodians Gigi Buffon, Marco Storari and goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi on a daily basis.

“I train everyday as if I were playing week in, week out. Lying behind Gigi and Marco in the pecking order is a big responsibility because if they were both ever absent, I would have to be ready to step up to the plate. We’re a close-knit group who support each other and work well under Filippi.

“Filippi is always on the ball, he doesn’t let anything slip. When we pull off a save which isn’t perfect, he makes us re-do the exercise two or three times. Alongside Genoa’s Spinelli, he’s the best goalkeeping coach I’ve ever had.”

The goalkeeper then reflected on the team’s form this term which has seen the Bianconeri open up a 14-point lead over second-placed Roma at the summit of Serie A, but warned that he and his team-mates need to stay focused for the season’s climax and next week’s match-up with Empoli.

“We’re doing well in the league and possess a good advantage over the chasing pack but it’s important to maintain this lead and continue working our socks off.

“Our upcoming encounter with Empoli will be a good game. They possess a decent record both at home and on the road – we need to remain vigilant.

Rubinho brought proceedings to a close with a quick word on last Friday’s Champions League quarter-final draw which saw the Old Lady pitted against Monaco in a European competition for the first time since 1998.

“We’ve enjoyed a great Champions League campaign thanks to all the hard work we’ve put in thus far and now it’s time to face Monaco. It’s an important meeting up against a strong outfit who were able to knock Arsenal out.”

Source:   juventus.com