Italy and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario gave a lengthy interview discussing his move to the Premier League, ‘little brother’ Destiny Udogie, hero Gigi Buffon and his ambitions.
The shot-stopper only recently turned 27 and made his name in Italy with Empoli before the €19m move to Spurs and the Premier League this summer.
After some initial grumbles, the fans have been well and truly won over by his performances between the sticks.
“We started with big expectations and the important thing is to keep that enthusiasm going,” Vicario told Radio Serie A.
He has been helped in settling in by having his fellow Italian Destiny Udogie in the Tottenham squad.
“Udogie is like my little brother, he has characteristics to be at the very top, this explosive physicality and is suited perfectly to the Premier League. We do speak Italian in the locker room.
“Admittedly, I do miss Italian food, but when my mother comes to visit she cooks for me. In football terms, the tempo is faster also because teams are more eager to just get the ball back in play immediately. They don’t like time-wasting.”
Vicario was linked with several clubs including Inter over the summer, but Tottenham got the deal done quickly.
“I felt the need for something more competitive and found a fantastic club in a top league. I will always be grateful to my life for this journey, as I started from the interregional amateur divisions, climbing step by step to reach a dream. I bring all those experiences with me and treasure them.”
Tottenham are aiming to get back into the Champions League, which would be Vicario’s debut in this tournament.
“The Champions League is another dream, the next objective to achieve. It is an ambitious competition and I would love to experience it as a protagonist.”
He has not yet made his senior Italy debut, as Gianluigi Donnarumma seems to have the gloves locked down.
“Wearing the Azzurri jersey gives me goosebumps and singing the national anthem is a special moment. It would be an immense pleasure to represent my country. I have a rapport of mutual respect and friendship with Gigio, we are part of a single squad.”
They also get to work with Vicario’s hero, Gigi Buffon, who is now the team manager of the Azzurri.
“Buffon was the first I really followed and having him there is so important, as he always gives us valuable advice. I also used to go to the stadium to watch Samir Handanovic play for Udinese, paying attention to everything he did during the warm-up.”
Vicario never stops studying and is still hoping to get his university degree.
“I am still a bit lazy, but it would be personally rewarding and also for my parents if I achieve this aim. I don’t know the topic yet, it would certainly be related to sport, but more likely the managerial side of things.”
When Russia invaded Ukraine and families fled, Vicario’s family was one of those who opened up their doors to host refugees.
That made Italy’s EURO 2024 qualifiers against Ukraine particularly special games.
“At that moment, we were hosting a Ukrainian family, but they have now been able to return home and we remain in contact.”