Wednesday 6 May 2015 12:41, UK
Juventus striker Carlos Tevez believes his fine run of form is down to feeling "important".
The 31-year-old has repeatedly been linked with a return to Boca Juniors in his native Argentina but has a year left to run on his current deal.
Tevez has proved pivotal in helping Juve clinch their fourth straight Serie A title, scoring a league-high 20 goals this season, and after his penalty winner against Real Madrid in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg, revealed he was relishing his role as a "leader".
"My team-mates have shown to me that I'm a leader and I try to do the best I can," he told television reporters after the 2-1 victory.
"I feel important and that helps me play better."
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri declared himself thrilled with a first-leg victory but warned his players they will need to produce a "masterpiece" next week in Spain to progress to the Champions League final.
"I'm really pleased with my players' performance," Allegri said. "It's a deserved reward from a game that wasn't easy.
"They played with extraordinary intensity and afforded Real very little. We defended really well.
"We need to recognise how important this result is. It was a great display from us and we also celebrated winning the Scudetto.
"We've played good football this season. I can only take my hat off to my players."
Allegri felt his team could have won by a bigger margin but substitute Fernando Llorente was unable to finish off two good chances late in the game.
"It's a pity we didn't get a third," Allegri added. "There were a couple of moments when we could have done better in attack.
"In any case, we have laid the foundations. My players showed great personality, effort and determination.
"But I think if we want to make the final, we've got to deliver a masterpiece in Madrid."
Watch the Champions League semi-final second leg between Real Madrid and Juventus live on Wednesday night from 7pm on Sky Sports 1 HD.
