February 22, 2011
Interview with Claudio Gentile: "I dream of returning to my country"
Dario Ricci
"We are following the situation with trepidation. We are all linked to Libya in Tripoli. I was born there, my parents have lived for more than thirty years. "
"The Libyan", "Gaddafi" are just some of the nicknames that have accompanied him throughout his life, to witness to the indissoluble link which binds him to the other shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Why Claudio Gentile , 58, must not only his legend with which nullified the fierce marking Maradona and Zico at the World Championships in Spain 1982, the championships and won trophies with Juventus, or the European title and won bronze in Athens 2004 as a city-21 blue. For in fact, in football, Gentile and Africa, because he was born and raised in Tripoli until the age of eight years. "We lived in the area of the district of Saint Anthony - tells us excited on the phone - I still remember those streets, those streets. My dad went to Tripoli that was not even a year, my mom was born there, like me, they both still friends can imagine how we feel at this time. "
It is in those ways that began to play football?
"Of course, the usual practice match between the children. Opponents were smart and savvy, children in Tripoli. That's where I first learned the tricks of the trade. "
Then return to Italy. Why?
"We left Tripoli in 1961. The coup was Gaddafi's still far away, but my father had already realized that the climate was changing for the Italians. It is not wrong. Colonel came to power, our countrymen were removed without taking into any account of what they had done for the country, for its economy. I still remember the day I took the ship that took us in Sicily. "
It never returned to Libya?
"I do not has never been given the opportunity. I asked twice, in vain. Moreover Gaddafi, once came to power, launched a law equating all Italians born in Tripoli to the fascists. Therefore any legal justification for us has always been denied. And now that my parents are older, the desire to bring them to see the places where they grew still stronger. "
How do you assess the events of these days?
"We are witnessing the revolt of the discontent in a country where there was ever true democracy. People have grown tired, and in the name of freedom is prepared to die. "
In recent years our government has been among the most open to dialogue with the regime of Gaddafi. Surprised by this?
"In politics you often choose the least bad. I think you have followed this philosophy, driven by economic interests, the need to curb migration. I would not blame these choices. "
Whatever happens in the end, even the Libyan football has to start again. A call comes, it is ready to coach the national team in Tripoli?
"No doubt. But only if we can work freely. The coach I am, I decided players, tactics, philosophy, freedom of choice. If you can work freely to develop projects and ideas, are available in my Libya. "
February 22, 2011
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Original article in Italian:
http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/notizie/2011-02-22/sogno-tornare-paese-063650.shtml?uuid=AafiCRAD
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