Riva scored 35 goals in 45 appearances for the Azzurri, a record which has endured for nearly half a century, resisting the efforts of other great Italian centre-forwards to supplant him. He remains an icon not only for his immortal part in Cagliari's Scudetto in 1970 and his repeated refusal of offers to join the giants of the game in Italy, including an offer from his beloved Inter, in order to finish his career in Sardinia, but also for his status as Italy's all-time top scorer. Few people in their 70's could wear the old Italy uniform - a black Dolce & Gabbana suit, midnight blue shirt and shades - as well as Riva. The old guard miss his presence around Coverciano, his aura, his cool. It was a role Riva carried out with pride for close to quarter of a century and one he reluctantly relinquished only three years ago because the pain in his hip and back made all the travel too tiresome to contemplate. He returned to the set-up as Italy's team manager before Italia '90 looking after the players, telling stories and reminding them what it meant to play for their country. Riva was waiting for Buffon at Coverciano when he reported for his first call-up to the senior squad in 1997. You have left me with so many great memories." What can I say? I just want you to know that when I think about la Nazionale, the journey I've been on, the experiences I've had, you always come to mind. Italy captain Gigi Buffon recorded a special video message for one of the greatest, if not the greatest striker to ever wear the blue shirt of Italy and it revealed the great affection and high regard he is still held in more than 40 years after his retirement from international duty. One of the gifts he received couldn't be opened it had to be played. Italy lack the world-class strikers of generations past
#LORENZO INSIGNE GIGI BUFFON UPGRADE#
“It was a huge honour for me to play against him on so many occasions, in big games with silverware on the line.You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser He’s one of those players who can produce a moment of magic at any time. When it comes to players like him, club legends, you can see how great they are by the amount of passion and talent they show on the pitch. “I can’t say I was happy he scored against me, but if I’d saved some of the goals he scored, I would have ruined a masterpiece.” I’ve played so many games against him – and he’s always played in strong teams, as I have – so it was inevitable he has scored goals against me. “Totti has written the story of Italian football. “Totti was the best player in the world in his prime.” “I would have been honoured to play alongside Totti.” I had to take a lot of things into account, but primarily Roma.” When I arrived at the club, that’s what was asked of me, because Roma is a top club with a quality side. “In the past few seasons he hasn’t had many playing opportunities, so it’s good to see his enthusiasm hasn’t waned. I have huge respect for him and I know the feeling is mutual.” We’re very different from each other but we took similar paths: that’s why we’re so close and why we’ve had such a special relationship for so long. “Eras in football never end: what’s been achieved remains forever. After 20 unforgettable years, it’s a special moment for him and the fans, but he will remain a part of Roma’s history. “We owe him a big thanks for what he’s achieved, because it’s top level footballers who make the game beautiful. With his skills, which I envy, he’ll still be playing exactly the same way when he’s 50 and having a kickabout with friends.” “He can’t complain because he’s played for so long, we can’t complain about the feats he’s let us enjoy watching, and we have enjoyed them. And I’m sure he’ll be just as influential on the other side of the pitch.” “If you ask me, Totti has been the best player in Italian football for the past 20 years. “That’s what makes me want to play football and win, and I’m sure Francesco, over the years, his buzz and his happiness comes from making the Roma people happy.
The most important thing for me is to win and have success and share it with my people, the people of my city. “I think he would agree that I play football for the people, and to make the people happy. “At his best, Totti was the world’s number one.”Īnd Totti’s response: “After Maradona said I was the best player he’d seen in his life, I can retire now too.”
0 kommentar(er)
