It’s not easy for players to make it big outside the comfort of their homes. For a long time, we have heard about players facing hardships following a move to a different country. While the Serie A for a long while has been amongst the top leagues in the world, it’s difficult to play in front of the rowdy Italian fans. USMNT star Weston McKennie learned this firsthand when his own club tried to push him out using extreme methods.

Weston McKennie secured a move to Italian giant Juventus in 2021. Despite the massive chance, the player failed to make an impact in Turin, which forced the club to send him on a six-month loan at Leeds United. However, the spell didn’t work out, as the USMNT star failed to showcase his prowess. The string of failures convinced Juventus the player was surplus to their requirements as they tried their best to freeze him out of the squad.

Weston McKennie opened up on his treatment at Juventus following his return from Leeds United. Talking to the Athletic, McKennie claimed the club did their best to force him out. The USMNT star stated, “I knew it was going to be (challenging). I didn’t know it was going to be to that extent; where I didn’t have my locker, I didn’t have a room in the hotel, I didn’t have a parking space. I changed in the locker rooms with the academy kids, even when you had players in the main locker room who had never played a game for Juventus because they’d always been out on loan.”

Despite his tough treatment at Juventus, the midfielder managed to turn things around this season. Weston McKennie was a key player for the Old Lady this season and it seems like the USMNT star is here to stay!

Weston McKennie eager to prove his worth to Juventus fans

The player in the same interview added he does not like to stir drama and wants his actions to prove the kind of player he is. The USMNT star stated, “OK, you guys want to treat me like this? I’m just going to show you on the field. I’m not someone that’s problematic. I don’t like to cause problems, I don’t like uncomfortable situations, I don’t like drama. I just try and let my football, my actions, and my work ethic show everything about me because that’s when I feel like I’m at my best.”

From how Weston McKennie performed last season, it’s safe to say Juventus has no plans of selling him anytime soon. Even the fans have got accustomed to the player with many even considering him untouchable in Juventus’s defense. It will be interesting to see what’s next for the midfielder as he looks to display a similar form when he takes to the pitch in USMNT’s colors during the ongoing Copa America 2024.