Poulsen: When I Play I Go To Battle

Poulsen: When I Play I Go To Battle

Christian Poulsen has given his first press conference as a Juventus player, and has further fuelled his hardman image by declaring that every game is like a battle to him.

The centre midfielder completed his €9.75m move to the Bianconeri from Sevilla on Tuesday, signing a four year contract at the Stadio Olimpico.

This afternoon Poulsen was officially presented before the press for the first time, and inevitably he was asked about his controversial, hardman image.

The 28-year-old is something of an infamous figure in Italy, all dating back to his clash with Francesco Totti in the Italy-Denmark game at Euro 2004, when he ‘provoked’ the Roma star into spitting at him. He is also remembered for his rather over-zealous marking of Kaka in a Champions League game between Milan and Schalke 04 a few years ago.

“As luck would have it, certain specific incidents in my career have occurred against Italian teams, but I think that if you analyze all my other games I have showed I possess other qualities too,” said Poulsen.

“I'm a defensive midfielder and being a hard player is part of the game, but I believe I'm more skilful than the Italian public may think.

“It's true, I'm an aggressive midfielder, but the thing is, when a game begins, a battle begins, and I want to win it. That's football.”

Poulsen also explained his reasons once again for signing for the Old Lady.

“Juventus are one of the greatest Clubs in Europe and I was anxious to join them. It is an honour for me to be a part of this team after playing four years in Germany and two in Spain,” he concluded.

Gianni Wilson,goal.com