EXCLUSIVE: Leeds hitman Mirko Antenucci talks to CM.COM
Today, the 31-year-old talked to calciomercato.com about his impressions following his move to Elland Road.
CM.COM: Do you remember your first goal as a professional football player? It was against Paternò and you were playing for Giulianova.
Mirko Antenucci: Giulianova was the first professional team that I joined. They were playing in Lega Pro [Italy’s third division]. I went there when I was only 14 and I played for all the club’s youth teams. When I was 17 I made my first team debut and the first goal I scored for them was such an incredible feeling”
You've played for a lot of Italian clubs throughout your career: Ascoli, Torino, Catania, Spezia and Ternana. Do you have any regrets looking back on your career?
“I’ve always decided to change lot of teams because I was eager to be important for every club that I joined. I have no regrets at all, if I could go back in time I would do it all over again.”
Why did you join Leeds?
“I wanted to play abroad and luckily Leeds called me. You can’t say no to such a prestigious club.”
You’ve come a long way, netting the 100th goal of your career against Wolves. “I could never have imagined myself joining a club as important as Leeds. I have reaped the rewards of my work as I have always been a true pro.”
You've already scored five goals, just like Sheffield’s Forestieri. Do you want to challenge him?
“No goal-related challenges for me, thanks. I don’t like them. I prefer my team to win to my scoring lots of goals.”
Leeds President Massimo Cellino is reportedly willing to sell some of the club's shares to a group of fans. What's your take on the move?
“Honestly, I hope for the best for Leeds, just like Cellino and the fans.”
What are your plans for the future? Would you prefer to stay here or to return to Italy?
“I still don’t know. My contract expires next June, let’s see what happens. The most important thing right now is be at my best when I play for Leeds.”
