Italy winger Vincenzo Grifo has revealed he dreams of playing in Serie A even if he turned down Lazio and Fiorentina in the past.
The 27-year-old scored his first two goals with Italy at a senior level in a friendly game against Estonia on Wednesday.
“I hope I can deserve to be called up for the Euro,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I know it’s not obvious and I have to do my best to achieve this goal. Meanwhile, in Freiburg I started the season with two goals and four assists. I’ll do my best.
Italy winger Vincenzo Grifo has revealed he dreams of playing in Serie A even if he turned down Lazio and Fiorentina in the past.
The 27-year-old scored his first two goals with Italy at a senior level in a friendly game against Estonia on Wednesday.
“I hope I can deserve to be called up for the Euro,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I know it’s not obvious and I have to do my best to achieve this goal. Meanwhile, in Freiburg I started the season with two goals and four assists. I’ll do my best.
“[Albertico] Evani was my coach when I was playing in the Under 20 and it’s nice he was on the bench on Wednesday. I owe him a lot and I am grateful to CT [Roberto] Mancini who wanted me in this amazing group. I’ve immediately felt part of a family and now I must repay their trust.”
Grifo has never played in Serie A but hopes to move to Italy one day even if he had a couple of chances to do it in the past.
"I am proud to be Italian and I would like to play in Serie A one day. But I am 27 I have to be rational, I can change only for a real opportunity.
“I could join Lazio when I was 18, Tare wanted to sign me at all costs. Together with my relatives we decided it was better to remain close to my family.
“I was too young. It was the first time I would leave home and we preferred the nearby Hoffenheim.
“Fiorentina wanted me in 2019, I was still playing for Hoffenheim," he continued.
"It was an interesting offer but while I was reflecting the club signed Franck Ribery and Kevin-Prince Boateng. At that point it was better to stay in Germany.
“Every decision I make is based on my career and my development, it’s never been about the money.
“At the beginning I regretted my choice because things were not going as I expected at Hoffenheim. Luckily, in Freiburg I found the right environment.
“Thanks to the coach, Christian Streich, who always takes the best from me. I am a winger but I am happy to track back and help my teammates if needed.”