Under-fire defender Fabio Cannavaro believes he can still lead Juve to success, despite not being quite the player he used to be.

The 35-year-old, who led Italy to their fourth World Cup back in 2006, rejoined his old club Juventus from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

He left the club following a highly public match-fixing scandal, which lead to Juventus being relegated to the second tier of Italian football, Serie B.

This caused many of the Bianconeri's hardcore fans to label Cannavaro as a traitor, a feeling that has persisted even after his re-signing this summer.

There are also doubts over whether or not the often-injured center back can still perform at same the level that saw him win FIFA's world player of the year award in 2006, especially after a series of disappointing games at June's Confederations Cup.  

However, the player believes it is just a matter of time before he regains his form and the admiration of the Old Lady's fans.  

"I have returned to a group that I already know. There are new players and a lot of youngsters, but the work ethic, the will to win and the spirit that carried this club to the top in Italy is still the same,"

"On my part there wasn't the desire to show a lack of respect to anyone. It's clear to everyone that I am here to work, to give my best and to win something.

Cannavaro, who is tied with Paolo Maldini as Italy's highest capped player, also mentioned his delight at returning to Turin.

"I was the first person to be sorry to leave this club. I came here after having spoken with the club. We did not even speak about figures with Alessio Secco. It already suited me like this. I was happy to return,"

"We are speaking about Juve. It wasn't a certain regret. In that difficult moment for the club I was clear with them and they were clear with me.

"We found the best solution for me. I went abroad and they made a good sale. Now we look to the future because we have to look to the future."

The Italian also commented on his own physical condition, and what he feels he can add to the team.

"I think about being able to give a lot. I come from a difficult championship like La Liga.

"Physically, I feel good. Sure if we think to the Cannavaro of 2006 I might as well be at home. I have a problem with my calf. I am working and I am happy with my preparation.

"I always see myself on the pitch, but we need to speak with Coach Ferrara. There is a great friendship between us, but he is my trainer. It's strange, but he makes the choices.

"This team is being reinforced well. Now we need to work and rediscover the mentality that there was also last year, but that sometimes went missing, albeit carrying the team to second place."

Cannavaro will hope that he and his Juventus teammates can improve on last season's second place and take their first Scudetti since 2006, a championship that the player refuses to forget.

"I have the medal at home. For me, they will always be titles that we won."