Thuram: McKennie organises Juventus ‘team dinners’, Messi’s gift to Marcus

Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram explains how many of his father’s ex-teammates had an impact on his life and career, and reveals that Weston McKennie plays a key role in the Bianconeri’s dressing room: ‘He organises lots of team dinners at his place.’

Juventus midfielder Thuram released an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, where he spoke about his career and life off the pitch.

“I met many big players as a kid. I think of Vieira, Henry or Tudor who gifted my brother and me an amazing robot,” he said.

“I don’t remember about Conte, but my father has spoken to me about him and his Juventus personality.

“I’ve never felt favoured, only lucky. The privilege isn’t being Lilian Thuram’s son, but having a dad who loves me very much.

“When my father joined Barcelona from Juventus, Messi was only a kid, but he was already so strong,” Thuram continued.

“Once, he gifted a pair of football boots to Marcus. Ronaldinho was phenomenal with the ball, but also very kind and always happy. My brother and I have taken a bit of his smile. Life is beautiful, and you’ve got to smile.”

Thuram’s Juventus will face Conte’s Napoli at the Allianz Stadium at 18:00 CET today.

“You can’t have fear in football. We have a quality team and coach, and we are at Juventus, so we must win,” said the Juventus midfielder.

During the same interview, Thuram said that Luciano Spalletti is helping Juventus players on and off the pitch, including with notes in the Bianconeri’s video room.

Likewise, USMNT international McKennie is having a key role in helping create a solid group.

“Weston does well on the pitch, but he’s also a great guy in the locker room, always available,” Thuram concluded.

“He organises lots of team dinners at his place, and we get together to play cards or watch a match. Many of us go, David too: he’s a really good guy, and a top striker. We’ve seen only a little of his qualities.”

Thuram, 24, is the son of France legend Lilian and brother of Inter striker Marcus. The Juventus midfielder has grabbed two goals and three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this season.