Torino’s Andrea Belotti warns he will only join a ‘big club’ if he is guaranteed games and believes he can become a leader for Italy in the post-Buffon era.
Torino’s refusal to back down on their €100m valuation prevented Belotti from moving on last summer, and the striker has scored just six Serie A goals this season, in a campaign that also saw Italy fail to qualify for the World Cup.
Torino’s Andrea Belotti warns he will only join a ‘big club’ if he is guaranteed games and believes he can become a leader for Italy in the post-Buffon era.
Torino’s refusal to back down on their €100m valuation prevented Belotti from moving on last summer, and the striker has scored just six Serie A goals this season, in a campaign that also saw Italy fail to qualify for the World Cup.
Nonetheless, he told Domenica Sportiva when asked about the Azzurri’s friendly against England on Tuesday: “Of course, it’ll be an important showcase, one that’s more so than usual.
“We know the stadium we’ll be playing in and what emotions it can carry. We’ll be there for everyone to see us. There’ll be millions of people watching.
“People tell me I should go to a big club who play for trophies, but I evaluate what’s right for me 360.
“I’m not interested in going to a big club if it means me not playing or being a substitute. If I move, it’s because I’ll be a starter.
“I think a striker shouldn’t only think about scoring goals but also helping the team because you win and lose as an XI.
“You attack together and defend together. That’s how I like to play, showing how much I care.
“Buffon? He’s the absolute leader of this national team. When he quits, I must show that I can be a leader and also help the younger guard.
“Sweden? I don’t want to see pictures of the game at San Siro again. We’ve tried to stay united and compact, as well as overcoming a sense of precariousness.
“Ventura? I didn’t resent him. As a team and with work and time, we have to show that we’re still a great national team.
“Myself? After the two injuries I had, I’m now physically and mentally well. Luckily there are still lots of games: I can bounce back.”