McKennie promises Juventus fans: ‘It’s all or nothing with me’

Juventus completed the signing of midfielder Weston McKennie after his medical yesterday, making the youngster the first ever American-born footballer to pull on the fabled black-and-white stripes.

McKennie, who just turned 22, will be joining from Schalke 04 on loan initially, with the Bianconeri getting an option to make the transfer at the end of the season. He has 19 appearances for the United States senior team, scoring six times. Speaking on an exclusive Juventus TV interview (via Football Italia), he spoke about his move and his new teammates.

“I’m very excited. You grow up watching these players, idolising them and playing with them on video games and they’re your teammates now, so it’s definitely a dream come true, for sure.”

“When you think of the word Juventus, you think it’s historic, and champions of Italy all the time.”

Not too many Americans have played in the Serie A, and certainly he is the first American to join Juve with the Old Lady having a huge following on the North American continent.

“Of course, being the first of anything is something to be proud of. It’s an accomplishment. I’ve heard a bit from Michael Bradley that it’s a tough league, so I’m definitely excited to get into it.

“I signed on my birthday and now I’m starting a whole new journey, so it’s a big present.”

When asked if he had a message for the Juventus fans who might not know him or his game too well, the youngster struck a confident note.

“You’ll expect 100 per cent out of me every game, definitely. It’s all or nothing with me.”