Antonio Di Natale reveals he turned down Juventus and Roma “in a minute,” but hasn’t decided his future.
The 37-year-old surpassed Roberto Baggio in the all-time charts and now has 207 Serie A goals, most of them for Udinese.
He has received offers from America and Dubai, though the club wants him to stay at the Friuli.
“To be honest, I haven’t decided what to do yet,” he told the Corriere dello Sport. “Right now I am focused on finishing this season well, then I’ll rest and reflect on the future.
Antonio Di Natale reveals he turned down Juventus and Roma “in a minute,” but hasn’t decided his future.
The 37-year-old surpassed Roberto Baggio in the all-time charts and now has 207 Serie A goals, most of them for Udinese.
He has received offers from America and Dubai, though the club wants him to stay at the Friuli.
“To be honest, I haven’t decided what to do yet,” he told the Corriere dello Sport. “Right now I am focused on finishing this season well, then I’ll rest and reflect on the future.
“I have a rapport with President Pozzo that goes beyond the professional. I’ve been here for 11 years and our reciprocal respect has always remained intact. The Pozzo family gave me a great deal and I am proud they consider me one of the most important players in the history of Udinese.
“I want to thank Roberto Baggio, because after the goal that matched his tally, he sent me a message of congratulations. Baggio was one of my idols and to have surpassed him fills me with pride.”
Di Natale will face Francesco Totti on Sunday when Udinese visit Roma, another of the old guard who can’t stop scoring.
“I already said that if Luca Toni, Totti and I keep getting lots of goals, it means there’s something wrong! Joking aside, I can say age counts up to a certain point, but the important thing is to retain enthusiasm and not overlook any details.
“With modern training methods, even players like us who are getting on a bit can continue making the difference.
“Perhaps the youngsters of today haven’t made the same journey as us. We started out when it was less organised and I made sacrifices to become a professional. It’s not their fault, of course, as the system has improved for everyone.”
Unlike Totti, Di Natale is rarely dropped to the bench unless it is for a fitness issue.
“If I am in good shape, I always want to play, but I also know that with the intensity and physicality of modern football it’s good to rest every now and then. A 37-year-old player is not like a 20-year-old. I can only thank Udinese for the staff and personalised training regime they put at my disposal.
“The choices of the Coach must be respected. Clearly it’s not pleasing to be on the bench and if it was that would mean adrenaline isn’t running in the veins. As long as you get angry at not playing or being substituted, you know you’re still thinking as a footballer.”
Di Natale could’ve partnered Totti in the Roma jersey, called over by Luciano Spalletti, while he also rejected an offer from Juventus.
“I never thought what kind of a partnership we’d have made, but the Coach certainly would’ve found a way to get the best out of us.
“With Juventus it was all very simple, as it lasted a minute. I just needed the time to ask my family what they thought and decided to stay in Udine. I wanted to carry on in this team and this city where I am happy.
“My career is the result of decisions I made. I had the opportunity to change teams, but I decided to stay at Udine. I have no regrets.
“Winning the Capocannoniere title four times and scoring 207 goals, most of them with Udinese, are the equivalent of a Scudetto. It’s not a cliché, I really do believe that.
“My only regret is not taking part in the 2006 World Cup, which Italy then won, but overall I am satisfied. “