Gattuso announces Italy retirement
Saturday 12 June, 2010
Gennaro Gattuso has announced he will retire from international duty after the World Cup. “I dream of being the Italy Coach, though.”
The Milan midfielder has decided to hang up his Azzurri boots following this experience in South Africa, joining Fabio Cannavaro.
“It is only right, for the way I see football, that at the age of 33 I step aside and give more space for players who have better physical stamina,” he explained in a Press conference.
“As a player it will be my last World Cup, but then I have a dream of one day leading the Nazionale to this tournament as a Coach.”
It has not been a vintage season for Gattuso, who suffered from a series of injury problems.
“I wake up without pain now and can train regularly. Undoubtedly I had a very tough campaign, but Marcello Lippi gave me this chance and I must be ready.
“For 11 years I was accustomed to playing every game. I played the Confederations Cup with half a leg working and after the knee injury often played despite not being 100 per cent. Now I am fine and feel good.
“I know that I am still important for this squad, otherwise I would’ve asked Lippi to leave me behind. I need to have enthusiasm in my work, otherwise I don’t feel happy with myself and would rather be at home fishing.”
Many say Gattuso is already an assistant manager, as from the touchline he never stops shouting or giving directions.
“If I don’t start, then I’ll cheer on my teammates. It is an honour for me to wear the Azzurri jersey and there’s nothing better. I would’ve come to South Africa just as a water boy.
“I don’t feel that I am a touchline captain. I gladly give advice to the younger players, but we already have Cannavaro as the captain.”
However, Rino is concerned at Monday’s opener with Paraguay and questions the lessons learned from their 2-1 friendly defeat to Mexico.
“We mustn’t fall into the trap of provocation. It was said that Mexico beat us because of their superior fitness training schedule at the time, but the truth is that we also suffer against that type of team.”