Samuel Mbangula explains Juventus departure and pays tribute to Thiago Motta

Samuel Mbangula, who recently left Juventus for Werder Bremen, has opened up about his departure from the Bianconeri, his relationship with coaches Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor, and his close friendship with Kenan Yildiz.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport on the same day Juventus faced Juventus Next Gen—the team where he grew up—Mbangula reflected on his past, his present, and his hopes for the future.

Friendship with Kenan Yildiz

Mbangula spoke warmly about his bond with Yildiz, calling him a special person on and off the pitch.

“Kenan didn’t give me advice about moving to Germany, but we’re very close. Everyone knows him as a great player, but he’s also top outside the pitch.

Samuel Mbangula Tshifunda of Juventus celebrates after scoring to give the side a 2-1 lead during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout…

“He’s always giving advice and spreading positive energy. He and Rouhi gave me a special birthday gift—something just between us. He’s amazing in dribbling and shooting, and he’ll become a leader. I hope he stays at Juventus for a long time.”

Leaving Juventus

When asked about leaving the club, Mbangula admitted: “Of course I miss Juventus and Turin, but now I’ve turned the page. I would have stayed, but football works like this.  The club told me clearly they needed to sell me for financial reasons.”

From the Premier League to the Bundesliga

Mbangula revealed that Nottingham Forest had an agreement with Juventus during the Club World Cup, but they couldn’t reach terms with him personally.

“In the end, I’m happy to be in Germany because it’s a league that gives many young players a chance. Would I return to Juventus one day? Why not,” he admitted.

On Igor Tudor

The young midfielder expressed deep gratitude toward Thiago Motta.

“I will always carry him in my heart. He changed my life and career. I haven’t spoken to him for months because I don’t have his number, but he will become a great coach. At Juventus, they didn’t give him enough time, and the injuries affected things,” he said.

Thiago Motta, head coach of Juventus Fc embraces Samuel Mbangula of Juventus Fc during the Uefa Champions League football match between Juventus Fc…

On Igor Tudor

Mbangula also spoke about a frank conversation with Tudor during the Club World Cup.

“I told him I’d be willing to play as a trequartista, wing-back, or even midfielder in his 3-4-2-1 just to get minutes. He was very straightforward and told me he didn’t see me in his plans. I wasn’t part of them,” he said.

Views on Former Teammates

Mbangula said he was not surprised by Dean Huijsen’s talent, having played with him in the past. On Juventus’ title hopes, he remained positive: “Yes, I’m optimistic,” he revealed.

“Last year, injuries to players like Bremer and Cabal had a big impact. Revelation player? Yildiz is already a certainty, Bremer too, but I’d bet on Koopmeiners.”

For Mbangula, while his Juventus chapter has closed for now, his connection to the club remains strong—and he’s not ruling out a return in the future.