MILAN (ITALPRESS) – “I have accepted criticism in silence and even insults. But I cannot tolerate being called unworthy. No one can afford certain morality licenses, both inside and outside the world of football. Abodi? I don’t want to make names. Everyone qualifies for what he is and for what he hears. It will be up to others to give judgment.” This is said by the resignation president of Figc, Gabriele Gravina, in an interview with the “Corriere della Sera”.
“I assume my responsibilities – he points out. I didn’t keep the promise I made to Italian fans. I said we should go to the World Championship even swimming and instead we couldn’t. Resignation is a last act of love for football. And I couldn’t allow the undersigned attacks to penalize the Federation. But that’s not all. Already before the playoffs, I thought I’d stand aside. And not so much because I did not feel up to it, as for the constraints, ties and impediments that brake the growth and development of the movement. And all this, let me say, is frustrating. In the end, I decided to stay and accepted this Way Crucis. I now live almost as a recruit between home and Federation”.
Assuring that in view of the next Federal Council that will choose its heir “I will not be the director of the future and will not throw the fly to anyone”, Gravina clarifies the concept of “ amateurs” reported to other sports and used in the after game of Bosnia. “I am sorry for how my words were interpreted in Italy. I would like to stress that professionalism must be subjected to national and international regulations. Certainly it was not my intention to question, neither to develop, the commitment and professionalism of athletes of other disciplines.” “You know I love the German model. They are departed from zero in the true sense of the word, all united and with the same goal. And now they’re starting to see their fruits. It is a far-sighted vision that does not exist – accuses – from us. Let’s say it clearly: in Italy of the National Team only cares for fans. To others, including politics, it only serves to claim, when things go wrong, forms of personal positioning.”
“What happened? A trained coach and a wonderful person. Despite the few trainings available, he managed to give a soul to the team. It was not enough and the first to be sorry was just him”. And to the question if the players gave everything, Gravina replies like this: “We are stronger on paper than Northern Ireland and Bosnia. I lived those days with the team and the boys promised me they would give the most: and so it was. Someone was blinded, some had arrived at the top of the form, but did not make it according to expectations.”.
Now what will be the future of Gravina? “I will continue in Uefa. My experience remains available, but I will never be a former bulky president.”.
– photo Image –
(ITALPRESS).
