12.02.2026 14:50
Felipe Melo, while favoring the Italian team in the Juventus – Galatasaray match-up, shared his regrets about his time at Juventus and his preference for Galatasaray; his statement that "Galatasaray has no European DNA" received harsh criticism from the fans.
Felipe Melo, a former football player of Galatasaray and Juventus, evaluated the Champions League play-off match to be played between the two teams. The Brazilian player made striking statements about both his career and future plans in an interview with Tutto Sport.
"I REGRET A LOT ABOUT JUVENTUS"
Referring to his time at Juventus, Melo stated that he went to a big club at a young age, saying, "I regretted many things. I was a young boy who was not yet used to winning at Juventus. My cost was high and the expectations were great. However, I am grateful to fate for wearing the Juventus jersey; it was a school of life for me." he said.
Melo expressed that he made the decision to leave despite the then-coach Antonio Conte wanting to take him to the camp, and he was happy for the championships Juventus won afterwards.
"I CHOSE GALATASARAY INSTEAD OF PSG"
Revealing that he also received an offer from France, Melo said, "I was lucky to find Galatasaray despite PSG wanting me. I do not regret choosing Turkey. Istanbul is a massive city and the Turkish people have an extraordinary passion." he stated.
CHIELLINI'S CONFESSION: WE ALMOST FOUGHT
Melo, who said he had problems with Giorgio Chiellini during their time at Juventus, stated, "When I saw him at the Club World Cup, I wanted to argue fiercely, even fight. However, he hugged me and showed his humility. He apologized to me. Actually, it was I who should have taken a step back." he said.
"GALATASARAY DOES NOT HAVE A EUROPEAN DNA"
Declaring the favorite in the Juventus – Galatasaray match-up, Melo said, "Juve is the favorite compared to Galatasaray because Galatasaray does not have a 'European DNA.' Overall, Juve is stronger. But Istanbul will be a battlefield. You saw how Manchester City and Bayern Munich struggled." he expressed.
2013 MATCH AND SNOWY GROUND
Melo also referred to the unforgettable Champions League match played in 2013, describing the struggle on the snowy ground as "very strange." The Brazilian, who said, "The Galatasaray of that time was not as strong as now," argued that the 2-2 match in Turin actually showed the balance between the two teams.