Leonardo Spinazzola reveals he will return to action in November and is happy that José Mourinho ‘only thinks about the result.’
The 28-year-old suffered an Achilles tendon injury during Italy’s EURO 2020 quarter-final tie against Belgium and was expected to remain out of action for six months. However, the Roma defender revealed he will return to the pitch earlier than that.
“I know somebody is saying I will return in January or February, but I will be available starting from November,” Spinazzola told Il Romanista.
“I may be wrong, but we’ll see. I am resting with my family now, after some intense days.
“My wife was worried I could slip in the Wembley dressing room during the celebrations, she told me so many times to be careful. I sat down as soon as they opened the champagne,” he continued.
How did he feel after Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph?
“I must say it was quite shocking. I had so much adrenaline I could hardly eat or drink. I still can’t believe we really won and I am looking forward to returning to action.
“I will return to Trigoria on August 2, exactly one month after the injury. I want to restart my routine even if I won’t be able to put my feet on the ground for six weeks. The doctors have already removed stitches and I feel I am already improving a little bit.
“I spoke to Mourinho before the Euros and when I returned to Trigoria after the injury. I watched a training session and the first friendly.
“He seems a very good person, it’s easy to notice he is a tough one. From what I have heard from my teammates, he immediately left a great impression.
“He always thinks about the result and there will be more attention now. Too bad I’ll miss the first part of the training sessions.”
Roma have signed Matías Viña from Palmeiras to replace Spinazzola while he is out of action, but ‘Spina’ doesn’t fear competition.
“Not at all, I am happy he has arrived, he’ll have time to play all the games with Calafiori until I return. Viña is welcome and who knows, perhaps those who say I will return in February are right…”
Spinazzola is also looking forward to playing with Nicolò Zaniolo.
“We spoke during the Euros, he told me he was looking forward to playing with me. ‘Zano’ is an animal and I am sure he will be more mature next season. It can be his season and, hopefully, Roma’s.”