Southampton striker Graziano Pellè “took the long way round,” but is finally in the senior Italy squad. “Better late than never.”
Southampton striker Graziano Pellè “took the long way round,” but is finally in the senior Italy squad. “Better late than never.”
The forward is 29 years old and could not stop scoring in Holland with Feyenoord, but was still ignored by Azzurri Coaches until Antonio Conte.
“I hadn’t been part of a Nazionale for seven years,” said Pellè in today’s Press conference ahead of Euro 2016 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Malta.
“I was a little confused when I got here and couldn’t find my way to the Coverciano training ground.”
Pellè was part of the Italy squad at Under-20 and Under-21 level as well as the Olympics, but never earned a senior cap.
“It is a very special feeling being back in the Nazionale. It’s wonderful to be part of this group. I want to understand the tactical moves and, if possible, be able to prove my worth on the field.”
Pellè has scored four goals in seven Premier League games for the Saints, earning him a call-up rather than Liverpool’s Mario Balotelli.
“I am a positive guy,” he continued. “It’s rare that I out the blame on someone else for something that didn’t go well.
“If so much time has passed since my last Italy call-up, it means it was entirely my fault. I am now completely mature, both physically and psychologically.
“I had to take the long way round, but I got here eventually. It’s better late than never.”
Pellè also revealed he had been in contact with Fiorentina after Giuseppe Rossi’s injury in January.
“Feyenoord were asking for too much money, so in the end it was just contact and not a full-blown negotiation. Florence would’ve been a lovely city to play in.”