translation of gazzetta interview
Sandro Nesta’s interview on gazzetta (12/01/07), before Milan-Juve game.
I will never be another Maldini
Nesta talks about his revival, but avoids comparisons with the captain «Paolo is still training hard. I am OK today, but after 5 years I don’t know.»
Think about what happened to Alessandro Nesta a year ago and ask what was he doing in Miami?He sensed it and responded with a little suspicious: «Why?»
Because since your return you didn’t make a single mistake.
«I was fortunate to associate with positive situations: a clinic specializing in shoulder problems, a place that I like and I did stay away from the rumors and controversies. Because I am not totally “waterproof” to rumors, you know? When they say that you are finished, you are not happy. There, I stand up, head and legs, I felt that my body recovered and I felt better.»
The darkest moment?
«When they told me I had to have another surgery: on the shoulder. For me, coming from the World Cup disappointment that practically I had not been able to play, that was another huge blow.»
The secret to be back, seems to be leaving the Nazionale.
«Sure, I can rest well.»
You did the same as Maldini: left and no re-think.
«I regret that my body does not allow me to do more; but I really can not continue to do two things together. I always injured myself at the end of the season, and that was a signal».
But do you suffer when seeing others play?
«When it’s Italia-France and you are in front of a TV, you have a nasty evening. But I repeat, my body does not allow me do do any more».
Yet you seem to be the perfect heir of Maldini: also in terms of personality, you two seem to be “two drops of water”.
«In a way we are very different: I will not have his longevity».
Why?
«Because he has something that others don’t: Paolo is like metal, he never gives up, he still likes to train and play. I do not believe that in four or five years I will be like that».
Pleased, like Ronaldo said, to play against a clear Juve?
«For me, nothing changes. The players were clean before, and it’s not made by what has happened later on ».
Milan-Juve, what do you think?
«A good opportunity to improve our ranking. And above all, it will not be boring because Juve is a strong team that plays openly. It will be a great game».
For you, which one is more important, Milan-Inter or Milan-Juve?
«For me, the same».
The scudetto is an Utopia for Milan?
«Before making the conclusion, I’d wait more. I’ll wait to see how we’ll be when there are 12 or 13 games left».
Your favorite Milan-Juve game?
«The one in October 2005 when Pirlo scored a free kick and we won 3-1; and the one in 2003 when Sheva and Inzaghi scored and we won 2-1».
What does Kaka have, more than other great champions?
«The change of pace and concreteness. He doesn’t take the ball to play but to punish the opponents, in short, to score».
The most dangerous man of Juve?
«Trezeguet. He scored so many goals in the box area».
The next Milan player to win Golden Ball?
«Pirlo. This should not be his position this year: he has won so much and has done so much; apart from Kaka, he came fifth behind people having done worse than him».
Being so shy and low-key does not help.
«I know, but what can he do? When one has being like this, it is silly if he tries to change. Andrea does not like to be in front of the flash and neither do I. »
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