Floriana striker told CM: "No chances for youngsters in Italy"
Why Malta? How did it start?
“In Italy I always played in the lower divisions, even though I am a second striker that scores a lot. I never had the chance to make a bigger step for my career, especially when I was very young. When my agent Salvatore Trunfio talked me about the possibility to play in the Maltese first division, for one of its most prestigious clubs, who is planning to play in the European competitions next year, I didn’t hesitate”
How was the first impact with the new ambiance?
“I arrived here in July, at least for one month it has been very difficult. I had some problems with the language and I missed my family. But playing football finally helps for everything. Moreover, later some other Italian players joined and they helped me with English”
What about the level of the Maltese football?
“Well, in the past they told me that it was quite low, but I found out that it’s not the case, also because they have augmented the number of foreign players allowed for each time. Moreover, the stadiums are always crowded here, something that we don’t have in Italy, unfortunately”
You had to move abroad to play at high levels. How do you feel to see so many foreign players in Italy?
“Some of them are great champs, but sometimes the clubs sign a foreign player also because it’s more glamorous”
And are you thinking about moving back to Italy?
“I don’t know. Last summer I had also the chance to join Ternana, but it didn’t happen. Recently there is some interest from Swiss and Scottish clubs, all playing in their top league, so I would probably prefer such options. On the other hand, another Italian just left Floriana to join Trapani, so, who knows… Maybe by taking a divergent path, I will get there..”
