The veteran shot-stopper has won eight Serie A titles, but has yet to lift a European Cup in his illustrious career, and many feel this may be his last chance at 37 years of age.
The 37-year-old has enjoyed a stellar season between the sticks for the Old Lady as they secured their fourth consecutive League crown, and Argentine frontman Tevez feels the keeper’s re-assuring presence at the back is vital for his team.
“We know that Gigi is a phenomenon,” Tevez told Uefa.com. “Having him in goal gives us outfield players confidence. Scoring a goal against Gigi is difficult – that is the extra bit of security he provides.”
However, Tevez knows that he will be up against a formidable Barcelona attack, whose star trio have plundered 120 goals together in all competitions this season.
“They're the best team in the world and we'll face the best three strikers, so we will have to work extremely hard and our performance will need to be better than perfect,” he said.
Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri is targeting the treble in his first season in charge of the Bianconeri, and Tevez feels the former Milan tactician’s style has brought out the best in him this season.
“He [Allegri] allows me to play freely, to play the way I know how,” he said. “That is why I have performed better this year compared to last season.”