Gilardino feels ignored
Tuesday 18 May, 2004
No other Italian has scored as many League goals as Alberto Gilardino this season, but he reveals how he learned he wasn’t going to Euro 2004.
“I am relaxed, honestly,” said the 21-year-old hitman. “I learned about the fact I wasn’t called through the media, because nobody from the Federation bothered to call me.”
Many pundits believed the Parma man would receive a call-up for the senior Azzurri squad after he bagged 23 goals – just one shy of Capocannoniere Andriy Shevchenko – but Giovanni Trapattoni opted to stick with Marco Di Vaio instead.
“I really cannot deny that I am very disappointed and bitter about this,” he continued. “I can say I have no regrets, as I believe I’ve had a great season.”
The striker will now throw himself into winning another European Championship – the Under-21 tournament in May.
“If Trapattoni has made this decision, then he must have had his reasons and I can’t say anything about that. Now I will play with the Azzurrini and am convinced this will be a great adventure for all of us.”
Those 23 goals may not have earned him an Italy cap, but they have seen his price-tag go through the roof with Juventus, Inter and Real Madrid showing interest.
“It is too early to say what will happen,” said the former Piacenza forward. “I do know that there are several different clubs, both in Italy and abroad, who want me. Reading the newspapers nowadays brings a smile to my face.”
As the Tardini outfit is still struggling with financial problems, it is more than likely he’ll be sold in the summer.
“After the Under-21 Championships we will look at my future, but certainly not now. I won’t rule out good news from Parma, mind you.”
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