Vlahovic dismisses transfer speculation after Champions League heroics

Dusan Vlahovic has promised to deliver all he can for Juventus and dismissed transfer speculation after an inspired display from the bench in Tuesday's remarkable Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

Juve scored twice in stoppage time to seal a 4-4 draw at Allianz Stadium, where all eight goals came in a frantic second half.

Vlahovic, who was heavily linked with a move away from Juve throughout the summer, came off the bench to not only score twice, but also tee up Lloyd Kelly's 96th-minute equaliser with a sublime cross.

The Serbia international has scored six goals in his last nine Champions League appearances, while he became only the second substitute for them to score twice in a game in the competition after David Trezeguet against Celtic in October 2001.

Vlahovic has now scored four goals in as many appearances this season, with all of those coming as a substitute.

And he is content to play any role that Igor Tudor requires of him, whether as a starter or a sub.

"It is up to the coach to choose who plays, I work hard every day in training and am ready to do what I am asked, I am at the disposal of the team," Vlahovic told Sky Sport Italia, as reported by Football Italia.

"I've been a starter for most of my career and have always scored goals. Nowadays with five substitutions, those who come off the bench are increasingly important.

"Of course everyone loves to start, but I respect the choices of the coach and try to deliver when called upon."

Vlahovic, who has outperformed his 1.3 expected goals (xG) by 2.7 this season, joined Juve from Fiorentina in 2022, but is out of contract at the end of the season.

AC Milan were among the reported suitors for the 25-year-old this summer, but a move away from Juve ultimately failed to materialise. 

Vlahovic, though, insisted much of the transfer speculation was wide of the mark.

He added: "It has not been an easy time for me, there was talk every day, many things that I can say now 99% of which was nowhere close to reality.

"That can disturb a person, but I found strength in this and every day you must prove yourself, to always be hungry. I am never satisfied, so today I scored two goals and provided an assist, but I wanted a third.

"The expectations are always high for myself and that pushes me on. I play for a marvellous team, one of the most important clubs in the world, and I cannot complain. I just have to keep going.

"Naturally, there is criticism when a striker doesn't score goals. I used to struggle more with that when I was younger, but I am maturing and improving, I'm learning to deal with that better and believe I can continue to improve. I have to train harder than anyone and be ready when called upon."