Roma full-back Leonardo Spinazzola said he ‘looks ahead’ and ‘stays focused’ on his return to the pitch, spoke about Inter refusing to sign him and new coach Jose Mourinho.
The Giallorossi wing-back was one of the standout performers at the Euros this summer but suffered an ugly Achilles injury during the 2-1 win over Belgium in the knockout stages.
Spinazzola was in tears when he was stretchered off and it was immediately clear that he had suffered another serious injury.
The 28-year-old had to undergo surgery after an ACL rupture in 2017-18, which ruined his time at Juventus and the former Atalanta player claimed the knee problem ‘is worse’ than the Achilles injury he suffered with the Azzurri.
“The knee is worse, the cruciate ligament hurts even after,” Spinazzola told Corriere della Sera. “Instead, they say that the Achilles tendon, once healed, even gets stronger.
“I have everything, I’m happy. I have sad moments too, but then I look ahead and I don’t feel sorry for myself.
“One day, however, I told my wife Miriam: ‘If I still complain about something which concerns football, give me a slap’. I haven’t taken any since.”
Spinazzola was asked about the day Inter refused to sign him due to physical problems but waved away the question.
“Not all evils come to harm,” he said. “[Roma coach Jose] Mourinho called me before Italy vs. Turkey and said: ‘Are you scared or are you strong? Are you afraid or are you ready?’.
“I said: ‘I’m very ready, coach, and I can’t wait to start’. I made my own recovery schedule because I always have to stay focused on the goal.
“It helps me. I’ll hear what my body says, but it’s clear I’ll listen to the doctors.”
#Roma, #Spinazzola: ‘Niente #Inter? Non tutti i mali vengono per nuocere, #Mourinho…’ https://t.co/bV5yKg6vJq pic.twitter.com/RxDcyZlOoV
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) September 11, 2021
Spinazzola was awesome at the Euros. Had he not suffered the injury, without a question of a doubt, the lad would have been Player of the Tournament. I am so pleased he is on the mend and I would love to see him back playing for Roma and Italia. Forza Spina.
In my opinion, the Player of the tournament at Euro 2020. If he played the semis and final, Italy would have beaten Spain and England without much difficulties. He would have caused Spain and England all sort of problems. He was their X-Factor, focal point of difference, their highway to penetrating opposite defence. I was concerned his injury in the quarterfinal would cost Italy the championship but Italy did very well to finish the job to win Euro 2020 despite losing him for the semis and final.