7 August 2007, by Joao Pedro

Antunes ready for new season with “body and soul” focussed on Pacos

Young star says Juventus speculation will not affect him

Pacos de Ferreira left-back Antunes has guaranteed that speculation linking him with a lucrative move to Juventus over the summer will not affect his commitment as he prepares to start the new season at the same club he impressed so much at during the last campaign.

“Juventus is in the past. It was never an idea clearly fixed in my head. I had a proposal and I would have been happy to move to Italy, but nothing happened. Juventus was never an obsession of mine,” said Antunes.

After a sparkling season at Pacos where Antunes helped the modest club earn a Uefa Cup place for the first time in their history, the player then turned in equally impressive displays in the U-21 European Championships in Holland and the World Youth Cup in Canada.

Antunes admits he was tired upon his return from Canada, but the motivation he feels to make progress in his career has helped overcome any weariness. “I only had one week of holidays, but I don’t mind. Now I’m at Pacos with my heart and soul and I want to help the team achieve its aims this season.”

The 20-year-old is looking for a repeat performance of last year when Pacos finished sixth and qualified for the Uefa Cup, and admitted that the “cherry on top of the cake” would be to continue to receive call-ups to the national side.

“I intend to keep working to gain the confidence of Scolari and get into the national squad again.”


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