Tonelli: I regret not being able to play for Napoli
“My career has always been characterized by really high highs and extremely low lows. In the past, I wanted to just retire because I felt a wreck psychologically after some football situations. I also had fitness problems that wouldn’t allow me to give my best. Yet it was at that time I learned that if you let events knock you over, you cannot choose your own destiny. If you fight hard and set targets, you are the one who can get there. I had this terrible regret in me of reaching a top club like Napoli and not being able to play my football due to fitness issues. I do feel somewhat reborn at Sampdoria, as there is a more individually-tailored approach to fitness training and it allows me to reach the game in good shape. Since December, I got back to being a football player and also started some specific exercises.”
“Thanks to Sarri I was able to learn and understand certain tactical concepts, while Giampaolo gave me back confidence in myself.”