La Repubblica recently revealed that when Juventus decided to splash the cash on Gonzalo Higuain, a certain striker began to contemplate a future away from Turin and Juventus. Mario Mandzukic is a forward who never much enjoyed competing for a starring role. Some have suggested his poor attitude in part led him to overestimate his own quality, others feel it's because he genuinely believes that with continuity, he can live up to potential and be the star a big club need to challenge for trophies.
In recent weeks, one would have to agree with the latter assessment. Massimiliano Allegri understood the player's contemplations and desires to leave Juventus over the summer and chose to appeal to the ambitious boy within.