TURIN, ITALY - JANUARY 24: Weston McKennie of Juventus celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Bologna FC at Allianz Stadium on January 24, 2021 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)

Juventus Midfielder Weston McKennie Once Again in Hot Water

Weston McKennie was sent home by the United States Men’s National Team for breaking the health and safety rules against Coronavirus. The Federation did not disclose the nature of the infraction. The midfielder showed remorse in a social media post: “Unfortunately I am suspended for today’s game for not abiding by the team’s COVID protocols. I am sorry for my actions.” 

Landon Donovan had a lengthy tirade against McKennie on Grant Wahl’s podcast. It is not the first time the midfielder has been under fire for similar actions. The Italian authorities fined him at the beginning of last year’s lockdown due to an illegal gathering at his mansion. Juventus often reprimanded him for his partying habits, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.

The Bianconeri did not outright put McKennie up for sale this summer. But they did not consider him untouchable either. However, they did not receive the right offer to properly cash in on him. On top of his late nights, the management thinks the midfielder does not follow a correct diet to be at peak condition. Despite the assistance of chef Patrick Contorno, he has not fully done away with typical American foods such as burgers and fries. The cook assisted Miralem Pjanic and Douglas Costa in the past.

Juventus will be open for business in January, although Massimiliano Allegri suggested McKennie should stay. They could pull the trigger on his departure if they received bids north of €30M. Aston Villa and Tottenham pursued the 23-year-old during the summer, Calciomercato.com reports.