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Juventus Star Felipe Melo Unfazed By Criticism

The Brazil international has hit back at his detractors and insists he will soon hit top form...

Nov 5, 2009 8:43:01 AM

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Felipe Melo - Juventus (Getty Images)

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Felipe Melo

Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, after a series of below-par performances in the Bianconeri's faltering start to the season.

But the 26-year-old seems unperturbed by the bad reviews he is receiving in the press and has vowed to prove his detractors wrong.

“Criticism does not bother me, even though I constantly hear about the €25 million that Juve spent to sign me and about comparisons with [Cristiano] Zanetti,” he told the Corriere dello Sport.

Melo joined the Old Lady from Fiorentina last summer, while Zanetti moved in the opposite direction and has made a big impact at the Stadio Franchi.

“You should also look at how many balls I retrieve, not just at how many I waste,” continued Melo.

“I am at 75 per cent and I will soon hit top form. This year was different for me, because I arrived late after the Confederations Cup and I couldn’t train like I did at Fiorentina last season.”

Vince Masiello, Goal.com