Juventus midfielder admits he was close to hanging up his boots after the disappointing season in Serie A was followed by the poor performance at the World Cup.
Felipe Melo was on the verge of ending his career after his red card against Netherlands saw Brazil get eliminated from the World Cup.
“After the World Cup I no longer had the motivation to play. I had no joy in it anymore and had decided to leave football. I played a decent World Cup, but in Brazil everyone said we had gone out because of me,” said Melo.
“Those who understand football know that we were going to go out anyway. You just had to look in the eyes of the Dutch players before my red card to realise it. I am not an angel, but I understood that I could be hard without going over the top.”
Nevertheless, he is now enjoying a very successful season after being reassured of his role by Juventus officials.
“At the age of 27 I can still change. The faith of Gigi Del Neri and Beppe Marotta really helped me to change, as I realised there were people who truly believed in me.”
[Source: La Repubblica]
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