The Brazilian playmaker on loan from Juve to Grêmio says, “Now I want the World Cup; I want to convince Ancelotti. I’d recommend Juventus to Neymar”
What if Juventus already had a playmaker like Lobotka on their roster? Arthur has found new life at “his” Gremio, but he remains a Bianconeri player and will return to Turin at the end of the season. The loan spell in Brazil is taking the 29-year-old from Goiás back in time. Indeed, the Brazilian midfielder’s 2026 season has begun with 11 appearances, one goal, a 95% pass completion rate—134 of which in the final third—and victory in the Gaucho, the Rio Grande do Sul state championship. The only blemish was a minor muscle strain sustained in the final against Internacional de Porto Alegre.

Arthur, do you really hope to get a chance from Spalletti this summer?
“Luciano likes to have a playmaking midfielder, a linchpin of the team, and I like that role. Pizarro and Lobotka thrived under Spalletti, playing a style based on ball possession and tactical intelligence. It’s not far-fetched to think I could fit in well. We’ll see.”

Was the “home” atmosphere enough to help you flourish again?

“Returning to Grêmio, my home, has been incredible. I feel integrated into the club again and I’m playing with great confidence; it’s just a shame about the recent injury. But I’ll be back on the field next week. Being close to my family and the fans who watched me grow up is extra motivation. I’m enjoying soccer like I haven’t in a long time.”

In Brazil, they say the Barcelona-era player is back: what’s the secret?

“There’s no secret—just hard work and the fact that I’m happy again when I play. I’ve benefited from the training, which has been completely different. And then there’s the mental aspect: everyone here at Grêmio, from the coach to my teammates, has made me feel important from day one.”

At Juventus, we never saw the Arthur from Barcelona: why?

“I arrived in Turin during a transitional period for the club, with many changes, and that probably affected everyone, including me. I regret not having been able to show what I’m proving at Gremio. At Juventus, things didn’t go as I’d expected, but I learned a lot in Italy.“

Do you regret leaving Barcelona?

”Every experience teaches you something; when I think about it, it leaves a bittersweet taste. I was happy at Barça; I don’t know what would have happened if I’d stayed. Juventus, however, allowed me to experience a different style of soccer, a different culture, and to grow as a man, even through the difficulties. I learned lessons I might not have learned if I’d stayed in my comfort zone in Barcelona.”

Pirlo, Allegri, Thiago Motta: which coach did you feel treated you the worst?

“No one treated me badly, but some understood my style of play less than others. But don’t make me go into detail; right now I just want to think positively. I also have many friends at Juventus. I’ve reconnected with some of them in Brazil, like Danilo.”

Neymar has also returned to Brazil, to Santos: would you recommend or advise against Italy and Juventus as his final European adventure?

“Neymar is a phenomenal player and someone I’m very fond of. If he asked me, I’d tell him that Serie A is a wonderful league where he could have a lot of fun, and that Juventus is a top club with an immense history, demanding and passionate fans. It’s a unique experience, one to jump at. I’m sure people would welcome Neymar with open arms.”
“If Ney asked me, I’d tell him that Serie A is a wonderful league where he could have a lot of fun, and Juventus is a top club with an immense history”
At Barcelona, you played with Messi: what was that like?

“I admire Leo so much; we’ve always had a great connection. Everyone knows his fantastic soccer, but he’s also an exceptional person. I feel privileged: at Barcelona I played with Messi, at Juventus with Cristiano Ronaldo. The best? We’re talking about two of the greatest in history. Leo is magic; he leaves you speechless with his natural talent. Cristiano is hard work, hunger, ambition, a winning mentality: he pushes himself and those around him to surpass themselves every day.”
I feel privileged: I played with Messi at Barcelona and with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus. The best? We’re talking about two of the greatest in history”

Arthur on Messi and Ronaldo
A funny story from Barcelona?

“I’ll never forget my first day. Coutinho took me to the beach in Castelldefels; we ran into Messi and Luis Suárez, and we started playing footvolley. I couldn’t believe it—I’d just arrived from Brazil: a dream, just like the whole Blaugrana experience.”

The craziest teammate?

“Vidal. Always cheerful, he played pranks on everyone in Barcelona. Arturo was the DJ: he’d play music in the locker room and then dance. A unique player: fun off the field, but hungry, competitive, and exemplary during matches.”

At Juventus, he crossed paths with Yildiz: will he become a star?

“Kenan is a kid with incredible talent. When he started training with the first team, we immediately realized he was a special kid. Technique, vision, mentality, and above all, a great desire to learn—a crucial aspect at his age.”

A Gremio talent you’d like to see at Juventus or another top Italian club?

“Luis Guedes, 18, has a spectacular future ahead of him. He’s a tall, fast defender with real character. Keep an eye on Gabriel Mec, 17, too—a very promising winger. Gremio has historically been a treasure trove of youth talent.”

The World Cup is approaching, and once again you haven’t been called up by coach Ancelotti: do you still have hope?
“I’m working and playing my hardest to earn this opportunity. I know Brazil has many quality players and the competition is fierce, but given the level I’m maintaining at Gremio, I hope to be considered.”