Ahead of the Champions League final clash between Juventus and Barcelona, former legends of the footballing world have come out and stated their opinions.
Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano has spoken highly of his former team-mate and star Juventus striker Carlos Tevez.
Mascherano said that “Tevez is a top player, a magnificent centre-forward and, above all, a player who likes to win. He’s made for these games,”
We have played against each other during Boca vs River games, during Manchester United vs Liverpool. We have played together as well.”
“Our paths in the beginning were quite similar but then he went to Manchester and I went to Liverpool.”
On Juventus the Argentine international said “They have that Italian competitive edge. It is always difficult to overcome that because they are very, very competitive. They are very tactical. They understand football and on top of that they have a lot of talent”.
Whereas, Manchester United Legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy had some advice for Juventus.
The former Real Madrid star claimed to have found the secret of stopping Barca’s famous attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr.
The former Dutch star said “I have found the secret to stop them (Barcelona) and it could be good information for their opponents,”
“I think the only way to stop Messi, Neymar and Suarez is to block the other eight players of the team. You must stop the passes coming into them,”
“When Neymar, Suarez and Messi are functioning, Barcelona have the best attack in the world.”
While former Italy captain and legendary AC Milan player Paolo Maldini said Gianluigi Buffon deserved to win the Champions League.
Maldini said he will be rooting for the Italian champions, he said he had friends playing for Juventus.
He added that while teasing was fun, he would not root against his own.
“Besides, Buffon deserves it since he has been the best goalkeeper of the last three decades and is an icon of world football. He is always smiling and always calm. Often he is criticized on the basis only of his age, since the same mistake 10 years ago would be forgiven. I know that from experience!” said the Italian legend.
Maldini played in eight Champions League finals, and won five .
Barcelona will be looking to become the first European team to complete two trebles.
With FIFA under scrutiny, with corruption charges, the Champions League final comes as a breather not just for the fans but also for the football community.
(With agency inputs)