Timothy Weah has opened up about feeling “broken and completely lacking in confidence” following his time at Juventus. An unexpected early morning call from Roberto De Zerbi at 4am ultimately paved the way for his move to Olympique Marseille.
The son of former AC Milan star George Weah, Timothy made a highly anticipated switch to Juve from Lille in the summer of 2023 for €11 million.
epa11555551 Timothy Weah of Juventus in action during an Italian Serie A match against Como 1907 in Turin, Italy, on August 19, 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO
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Unfortunately, the USMNT forward struggled to make a significant impact, managing just seven goals and seven assists in 78 appearances.
His time at the club was marred by controversy, including a situation where he turned down a move to Nottingham Forest due to lack of communication from the club.
Weah ‘Broken’ During His Juventus Tenure
epa11712328 Timothy Weah celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Italian Serie A match between Juventus FC and Torino FC in Turin, Italy, on November 9, 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO
“Olympique Marseille took a chance on a player who was broken and completely devoid of confidence,” he revealed to Telefoot.
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“I struggled to get out of bed for training because things were not going well. Marseille really took a risk on me.”
Roberto De Zerbi, the Italian coach, recognized Weah’s potential and persuaded him with a rather unconventional approach.
“He called me at 4am on Facetime,” Weah recalled with a chuckle. “He was in his pajamas and smoking. He said: ‘Tim, you have to come here. You’ll see, this is your home.’ When I landed at the airport, I felt as though I had arrived home.”
The transfer details include a €1 million loan with an obligation to completely transfer at the end of the season for an additional €14.4 million, plus potential bonuses of up to €4.1 million.
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Juventus will also receive a 10% share of any future sale fee.
Timothy Weah arrives for his transfer to Olympique Marseille from Juventus (@sebnonda)
“I hope to remain here for a long time, if possible.”
Since his move to France, Weah has reclaimed his form, contributing three goals and four assists in 28 competitive matches for Marseille this season.