Parma left-back Riccardo Gagliolo says he is ‘honoured’ to receive a Sweden call-up and hopes it “opens up new possibilities for me.”
Gagliolo’s inclusion in the Sweden squad was initially considered a surprise, given he has spent his entire career in Italy and turned 29 earlier in the year.
However, it soon came to light that his mother was Swedish and he is chomping at the bit to represent the Scandinavian nation.
Parma left-back Riccardo Gagliolo says he is ‘honoured’ to receive a Sweden call-up and hopes it “opens up new possibilities for me.”
Gagliolo’s inclusion in the Sweden squad was initially considered a surprise, given he has spent his entire career in Italy and turned 29 earlier in the year.
However, it soon came to light that his mother was Swedish and he is chomping at the bit to represent the Scandinavian nation.
“Before this call-up, I’d never had any contact from Sweden,” he told Aftonbladet.
“When they learned of the possibility [to call me up], I explained to them that it would be an honour to wear the shirt of the Swedish national team.
“I don’t know any of the other players, but I’ve played against Robin Olsen, Albin Ekdal and Robin Quaison when he was at Palermo.
“Although I grew up in Italy, I feel a strong connection with Sweden. My mother and my grandparents live there.
“I’m regularly in touch with them and I visit them as often as possible. My brother is with them in Sweden now.
“My objective is to play well with Parma and help Sweden qualify for Euro 2020. By playing well, new possibilities can open up for me, perhaps in another country and League.”