The Brazilian defender returned after a 10-month lay-off due to a cruciate ligament injury: “I hope Vlahovic stays and Kolo Muani comes back. Yildiz is our Yamal.”

The day after is even better, you realize all the feelings you experienced in the heat of the moment. Gleison Bremer is 28 years old, he’s no longer a kid, but ten months, 304 days to be precise, away from the pitch have left their mark on him, which is why yesterday, 24 hours after his return in the friendly against Reggiana, he still had the joy of being back doing what he loves most in his eyes. Leipzig is far away, much more than the three hours by car that currently separate the Bianconeri’s training camp in Herzogenaurach from the Red Bull Arena, where the Brazilian broke his knee on October 2.

Bremer, what was the hardest moment in the ten months without football?

“The worst was the beginning, when the surgeon told me I would have to stay off for nine months and not six or seven as is usually the case for someone who breaks their cruciate ligament. Unfortunately, mine wasn’t a normal cruciate ligament, but now I’m fine and looking ahead. I’ll get back to my best.“

How did you feel when you returned to the pitch 304 days after your serious injury?

”It was a wonderful feeling after so many months of hard work and sacrifice. I felt comfortable. Obviously, I’m still lacking something physically, but I’m on the right track. I felt a little scared during the first few tackles, but I think that’s normal. Then everything went automatically: when you don’t think about it, it goes better. Now my goal is to play the next three friendlies to get back to my best condition.”

Will the new Bremer be even stronger than the giant who towered over the defense before his injury?

“Yes, because when you’re out for so many months, you start to look at things from a different perspective, not just as a footballer. The new Bremer will be tougher and will always give 100% on the pitch.“

Who do you have to thank the most?

”Juventus, the medical staff, my personal physiotherapist, my wife, and my family. It’s been a tough few months mentally. I also spoke to Chiellini, who had a similar injury a few years ago. I always talked a lot with Giorgio, even when he wasn’t yet a director, and now having him here close by is important not only for me but for the whole team.”

You left Juventus unbeaten and with Thiago Motta on the bench, and you returned to find Tudor and a new management team: what are your thoughts on these ten months?

“From the outside, I saw that there was a lack of leadership after the many changes, and with my injury, we lost further certainty. It was a difficult time, but the team has grown: these experiences make you better. This year will be different. The group is in good shape mentally, and then we’ll see what the transfer market brings in the coming weeks. We’re building a project and a solid Juventus. We have to get back to fighting to win.”

During the Club World Cup, Tudor said that Juventus only needs three important players to compete at the highest level. Do you agree?

“Yes, but it also depends on who you buy. We are a good team, and if strong players arrive, we can compete with the best.”

How do you see the Scudetto race playing out?

“It will be a battle between the usual four: Napoli are favorites because they won the last Scudetto and have strengthened in the transfer market, Inter remain a very good team. Then there’s Milan, who have Allegri and only the league to focus on. And of course, there’s Juventus.”

Why are you optimistic about Juventus?

“I’m convinced we’ll be back on top in no time. We all think so, and I’ll tell you why: Yildiz is a different player compared to last year, he’s improved a lot and he’s a different player. And Gatti has become a leader. The foundations are good.”

Former Juventus defender Julio Cesar said that Yildiz would be good for the Seleçao…

“He’s right, Yildiz’s dribbling and movement are like those of a Brazilian player. Yes, Kenan is a bit like our Lamine Yamal, and all of us in the team need to put him in a position to express himself at his best.”

How has the impact with Tudor been?

“We’re talking about a coach who has worn this shirt and knows what it means to play for Juventus. He’s giving me peace of mind, telling me not to push myself too hard and that I’ll get back to my best anyway. Tudor has a similar style to Gasperini and Juric, who I’ve worked with in the past, so I know I’m suited to his football. At Juventus, you have to win, and we want to return to winning ways. As always, the final assessment will be made at the end of the season.”

Every summer has its trends, and this one seems to be the last big transfers in Serie A: from Modric to Milan to De Bruyne to Napoli. Would you advise Neymar to have a “last dance” at Juventus?

“Of course. It would be great to have someone like Ney here at Juve.”

Another Brazilian, Douglas Luiz, didn’t show up on the day of your gathering: have you had a chance to talk about it? Douglas made his choice, the important thing is that he came back and apologized to the club, the coach, and us, his teammates. Now he’s here and working well. Vlahovic is also in Herzogenaurach, he scored on Saturday, but the rumors about Milan continue. Did you ask him for any advice for the future?

“Dusan is a positive guy and always sets himself very high goals. I sincerely hope that Vlahovic stays here to help us out. These are personal choices. The decision will be his, I just hope it’s the best one for Juventus and for him.”

Meanwhile, David has arrived and Kolo Muani could return soon: your thoughts?

“Jonathan made a good impression on me, he’s a technical striker and I’m convinced he’ll help us a lot. When Kolo Muani arrived in January, I was injured: he’s a good guy, he’s strong. We all hope he returns to Juventus.”

Is there a center forward who keeps you awake at night?

“I’ve faced many good ones in the league and Champions League, but the toughest is Osimhen.”

Your last Champions League lasted just over one game: what will we see from Juventus in Europe this year?

“We have to do better than last year and go as far as possible.”

Did you send a message to Ancelotti, the Seleçao coach, saying “I’m back, watch me”?

“He’s an Italian coach, he knows Serie A: returning to the Seleçao will be the result of my growth with Juve. Going to the World Cup in the US with Brazil is not a dream, it’s a goal.”