Pierre Kalulu opens up on career crossroads, Osimhen’s threat, and City clash | OneFootball

In a candid conversation on Juventus’ debut podcast Small Talk, defender Pierre Kalulu peeled back the layers on his career-defining choices, toughest adversaries, and high-stakes European nights. The Frenchman, now anchoring Juventus’ backline, didn’t mince words when reflecting on his journey from Lyon’s academy to Serie A glory.

As reported by Football-Italia, Kalulu’s leap to AC Milan in 2020 wasn’t just a football decision—it was a life-altering gamble. “I needed a club to grow, and Milan felt right,” he admitted. But the move hinged on an unlikely mentor: French basketball icon Tony Parker. A late-night gaming session turned surreal when Kalulu’s phone buzzed with a U.S. number. “I ignored it, thinking it was spam,” he laughed. Minutes later, a text confirmed Parker’s impending call. “We talked risks, courage, and Milan’s project. That chat sealed it—I couldn’t sleep, but I knew I’d regret staying in my comfort zone.”

The defender’s Milan stint peaked with the 2021-22 title, but it came with battles. When asked about Serie A’s most daunting striker, Kalulu’s answer was immediate: “Victor Osimhen. His physicality, movement—he’s relentless.” The Nigerian’s blend of speed and aerial prowess left a mark, even as Kalulu’s Milan edged Napoli in that title race.

(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Now in Turin, Kalulu had embraced Juventus’ rebuild under previous manager Thiago Motta. Reflecting on December’s Champions League clash with Manchester City, he offered a tactful critique: “They’re world-class, but we felt they didn’t match our hunger that night.” While stopping short of outright criticism, his remark hinted at City’s uncharacteristic drop in intensity during the group-stage encounter.

Since arriving on an initial loan (with a €20 million obligation), Kalulu has slotted seamlessly into Juventus’ defence, balancing composure with tactical flexibility. His journey—from Lyon’s reserves to Scudetto winner and now Bianconeri regular—mirrors a career built on bold leaps. “Every decision felt like a crossroads,” he mused. “But without risks, there’s no growth.”

As Juventus eye a return to Europe’s elite, Kalulu’s blend of grit and insight offers a blueprint for their revival—one forged through tough choices, tougher opponents, and the occasional nudge from a basketball legend.