Verona record-breaker Luca Toni confirmed his World Cup dreams and wants to prove a point against Fiorentina.
The veteran striker turns 37 next month, but has set a new club record by netting 16 goals in a single Serie A season for Hellas.
Verona record-breaker Luca Toni confirmed his World Cup dreams and wants to prove a point against Fiorentina.
The veteran striker turns 37 next month, but has set a new club record by netting 16 goals in a single Serie A season for Hellas.
“If I go to the World Cup in Brazil, then I’ll be the happiest person in the world, because wearing the Nazionale jersey is always a pleasure. If I don’t go, then it’s not a problem,” he said at a meeting with students.
“In all honesty, whether I go to the World Cup or not won’t affect my choices. If players who have scored fewer goals than me can believe, then it’s only right that I believe too. If I don’t go, then I’ll cheer on Italy.”
The former Palermo, Fiorentina, Roma, Juventus and Bayern Munich striker is eager to keep going, despite what others might’ve thought.
“It is normal to think about it, but for important decisions you need to reflect carefully, especially when you do a job that is so wonderful. You need to be 100 per cent convinced when facing new adventures, so I’ll decide along with my family and see what happens.”
On Sunday Verona will face Toni’s former club Fiorentina and he won’t hide what it means to him.
“Personally it means a lot to me, as it was a fundamental stage in my career. I was also there last season, then they made other choices, so it could be a good opportunity for me to play a great game.
“Fiorentina had offered me a role behind a desk, but I thanked them for that. I have a very good rapport with the Della Valle family and I still felt like a player capable of doing a good job. I wasn’t wrong!
“My teammates know how important this match is and we are fired up to get as many points as possible in these remaining six rounds.
“The Europa League is tough, as there are clubs in a much better position, but we have nothing to lose and can try to achieve something historic. There are six games to go and anything could still happen.”