Neto says Juventus are a very different club from the one he left in 2017, but the goalkeeper has already felt a “very positive impact” from new coach Luciano Spalletti.
The 37-year-old returned to Turin as a free agent last week after Kamil Grabara was ruled out for the rest of the season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
Neto previously played for Juventus between 2015 and 2017, but said he barely recognised the club’s current training facilities after spending the intervening years with Arsenal and Barcelona.
“When the call came from Juve, it was the first time in my life that I was able to really stay home, enjoy my family and time to myself,” the Brazilian told Sky Sport Italia.
“I was watching the Davis Cup with Brazil against Switzerland, but when Juventus called, I really didn’t have to think about it for long.”
Although his return has taken him back to a familiar city, the club’s surroundings have been transformed since his previous spell.
“Coming back to a place that you know well means it doesn’t take time to adapt. Having said that, we used to train at Vinovo, so the Continassa camp is new,” Neto said.
“What they managed to build here is spectacular, the club deserves credit.”
Neto had been considering a return to Italy for several years and said he was pleased to have the opportunity to take on a new challenge with Juventus.
“I had felt for a few years that I’d like to return to Italy, so I’m very happy and feel ready for this challenge,” he added.
The goalkeeper has not previously worked with Spalletti, but believes the coach has already made a strong impression.
“I’d never worked with Spalletti before, but he’s had a very positive impact on me already.”
Juventus were a dominant force during Neto’s first spell at the club. However, they have not won the Scudetto since 2020 and qualified only for the Europa League this season.
Neto said the club’s fortunes could change as the team looks to restore Juventus to the level expected of them.
“This is football, there are dynamics and periods that shift. The team is strong, we can get the results that Juve are accustomed to and do important things here.”
Juventus played a friendly on the day of Neto’s comments, losing 1-0 to Cremonese in a match involving players who had remained with the club during international duty.