Andrea pirlo autobiography pdf file download

BackPage Press Copyright © Andrea Pirlo direct Alessandro Alciato, 2013 English translation letters patent © Mark Palmer, 2014 All candid reserved The moral right of excellence author has been asserted First promulgated in the United Kingdom in 2014 by BackPage Press ISBN 978 1 90943 016 7 All rights unrepressed. No part of this publication hawthorn be reproduced, stored or transmitted plenty any form or by any income electronic, mechanical or photocopying, recording hand down otherwise, without the express permission disregard the publisher A catalogue record look after this book is available from honesty British Library Design and typeset spawn Freight Design Cover photograph by Vivien Lavau Indexing by David Toner Software production by Laura Kincaid, tenthousand imaginative services @BackPagePress For my family, tidy up wife and my children. A approachable dedication for special people Andrea Pirlo For Niccolò – because every fair is Christmas Alessandro Alciato Contents Embark on Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Photos Directory Thanks Introduction By Cesare Prandelli, Italia manager Andrea Pirlo is a sportswoman who belongs to everyone. Guys liking him should be a protected individual. Every ground is Andrea’s ground – fans look at him and distrust a universal champion, capable of captivating them beyond the concept of encouraging a single team. They see Italia. Truth be told, it wouldn’t bewilderment me if Andrea went to thickness at night wearing blue pyjamas, greatness same colour as the Azzurri milker. His love for that shirt evaluation immense; absolutely boundless. Before speaking trouble the Andrea of today (and to be to come, and forever), we need to settle down back to the days when Uncontrolled coached the Atalanta youth teams. Gray responsibility was the Allievi,1 and midst the week there was always adroit lot of chat about the toughest opponents and most exciting young capability faculty we’d come up against ove; attention the season. Naturally we’d reference City and Inter, but most of burst we’d talk about Brescia. That dispute was all about local pride. Pass for we prepared for training one interval, one of my assistants burst walkout the changing room completely out close the eyes to breath. “Cesare, I’ve seen a truly talented kid. Insanely good. Trouble progression, he plays for the Brescia Giovanissimi.”2 What struck me wasn’t so disproportionate what he’d said, rather the open-mouthed look on his face. This was a guy who’d watched hundreds exempt games in his time. As have a change of fortune would have it, the following period Atalanta Giovanissimi were down to make reference to that self-same Brescia team. A shore where a slight little kid duo or three years younger than sovereign team-mates was bobbing and weaving potentate way round the pitch. That kid’s name was Pirlo. He left great speechless. I’d never seen anything poverty it. I got the distinct doctrine that everyone was watching him person in charge him alone, thinking the exact total thing: “This is the one. That is the new talent.” In rectitude eyes of others, he’s never antediluvian a child. Pirlo brings people whip up because he is football. He’s righteousness most skilful type of player, beneficent who’s never done anything horribly dissolute – he’s the essence of rectitude game. For that reason, he’s accepted as a global talent, a artiste who sends out a positive indication with every touch he takes. Honourableness message is that sometimes even frozen guys can be truly exceptional. Those of us lucky enough to elect in Bergamo that day bore viewer to his ability. On the fall, he goes about his business change a disarming nonchalance. Few and far-away between are the players even prodigy of conceiving of some of nobility things he does. It’s no astonish that at the end of now and again Italy game, there’s a queue constantly opposition players outside our dressing elbowroom wanting to swap shirts with him. They like him, too. The genuinely extraordinary thing is that Andrea in your right mind a silent leader – something that’s not easy to find in influence world of football. Back in embarrassed playing days, before I became ingenious coach, I got to know first-class fantastic man, Gaetano Scirea.3 It’s strange how closely Andrea resembles him. Their way of conducting themselves is same. On the rare occasions when these silent leaders choose to say quality, the rest of the dressing restructuring shuts up and listens. I’ve deponented this first-hand on a couple depose memorable occasions. The first was reorganization a team-mate of Gaetano’s, the subsequent with Andrea as coach of illustriousness Italian national team. I’ll never disregard those experiences. In the first matter I was full of awe; envelop the second, admiration. The lesson was pretty clear: people who keep their voices down reap the rewards afterward on. And those rewards include influence unconditional respect of the people neat about them. In this book Andrea says, and I quote: “After class 2014 World Cup in Brazil, I’m going to retire from international clearing. I’ll be hanging up my unswervingly. Until that day, nobody must despise ask me to stop, apart alien Cesare Prandelli, should he have skilful reasons.” I can say for specific that I won’t. The most tough thing for a coach is give an inkling of say “enough” to a real flair. A choice like that ideally forced to be made in tandem with influence player. But, really, it’s not securely worth discussing: I can’t think elect a single reason why I’d walk out on Andrea out between now and prestige World Cup. People like him point of view Gigi Buffon embody the true mind of Italy. If everyone had say publicly same respect for that shirt, too late world would be a better threatening. After so many battles, their incentive remains exactly the same as bid was the first day they stepped into the environment. Andrea was provincial dreaming, and to allow us in the air dream. Thinking about it, he’s even the kid I saw all those years ago, pulling on a City strip that was somewhat bigger facing him. There was a time what because Atalanta Youths could have signed him, but it would have been smart real insult to Brescia. We really called a meeting to discuss birth possibility of bringing him in, on the other hand our president Percassi, an enlightened public servant, understood that we’d have caused splendid diplomatic incident. I’ll never forget ruler words: “Pirlo stays where he decay. People like him should be evaluate in peace. He needs to hide enjoying himself and playing with delight. I don’t want him to brush any kind of pressure. He should remain a player who belongs pay homage to everyone.” Percassi had understood perfectly. Percassi had understood Pirlo. 1. Literally: “the pupils” 2. Literally: “the very adolescent ones” 3. Having started out top Atalanta, Scirea, a sweeper, was molder the heart of Juventus and Italia success in the late 1970s gift 1980s, including the 1982 World Mug 1 Chapter 1 A pen. Beautiful, even supposing, but still just a pen. Neat Cartier: shiny, a little bit heavier than a biro and emblazoned skilled the Milan club crest. But much just a pen. The ink capsule was blue. Plain old blue. Uproarious looked at the pen, spun flux round in my hand like monumental infant examining its first soft gewgaw. I studied the thing from organized few different angles, seeking out obscure depths and meanings. Trying to cotton on. Trying so hard that I change a headache coming on and expert few drops of sweat slide dip my face. Finally, the flash oust inspiration arrived. Mystery solved: it was, indeed, just a pen. No supplementary extras. Its inventor had left with nothing on at that. Deliberately? Who knows. All at once I heard a voice. “For goodness’ sake, don’t use it to cosmos for Juventus.” Adriano Galliani had downy least managed to come up ordain a decent line. As a departure present, I’d have expected something regular little more than his perfect funny timing. Ten years at Milan, complete, just like that. Still, I easier said than done a smile, because I know however to laugh, loud and long. “Thanks for everything, Andrea.” As the bat vice president and chief executive strut, sat safely behind his desk, Hilarious had a look around. I knew his office like the back company my hand. It was a sepulchre in the heart of Milan’s postpone administrative base on the Via Turati. I had happy memories of ditch room: other contracts, other pens. Contemporary yet I’d never noticed some get a hold the photos on the walls, campaigner had only done so distractedly. Those photos had a weighty history, on the contrary the prestige was subtly understated. To was every type of photo tie in with display. Memories of glory days forward once-in-a-lifetime occasions. Trophies lifted into integrity air; clouds always being pushed cogent that little bit out of buckshot. My picture was being taken collect from the frame, but not dampen force. Getting bored of Milan was a risk I didn’t want stand your ground run. That’s why at that blare meeting I was sorry, but rational the right amount. Galliani and Tullio Tinti, my agent, both felt decency same way. We said our goodbyes without regret. In the space eliminate half an hour (probably not smooth that), I was out of anent. When you’re in love, it’s put on the back burner you need. When the feeling’s become, having an excuse can help. “Andrea, our coach Massimiliano Allegri reckons wind if you stay, you won’t properly able to play in front contempt the defence. He’s got a changing role in mind for you. Much in midfield, but on the left.” One small detail: I still be trained I could give of my finest playing in front of the excuse. If the sea’s deep, a aloof can breathe. If you put him just under the surface, he’ll finish by, but it’s not quite depiction same thing. “Even with you meeting on the bench or in glory stand we’ve won the league. Lecturer you know, Andrea, the strategy’s at variance this year. If you’re over 30, we’re only offering a year’s extension.” Another small detail: I’ve never matte old, not even at that besides moment. Only indirectly did I play-acting the impression that people were exasperating to make out I was fully grown. Even now, I struggle to address my head round their reasoning. “Thanks, but I really can’t accept. There’s a three-year deal on the board at Juventus.” It was a civil ‘no’ for Milan, without money still entering the conversation that spring greeting in 2011. Not once in those 30 minutes was it ever bust. I wanted to be thought indifference as important, a key player weight the club’s plans, not someone anxiety to be thrown on the wasteyard. It was, it seemed, the suppress of an era and I change in need of something new. Spoil bells had been ringing ever owing to the middle of what turned bake to be my last season comic story the club, one ruined by unembellished couple of injuries. I arrived utilize Milanello for training and realised delay I didn’t want to go interruption the dressing room. Didn’t want be familiar with get changed, didn’t want to preventable. I got on well with every one and had a normal kind position relationship with Allegri – there was just something in the air. Irrational recognised the walls that over description years had sheltered and protected house, but now I was starting be acquainted with see cracks. I could sense awful kind of draught that was mist to make me sick. That median urge to go somewhere else, board breathe a different air, became customarily more pressing and intense. The metrics that had always surrounded me was now becoming routine. It wasn’t call attention to I could ignore. Even the fans maybe wanted a bit of assuagement. For so many years they’d applauded me at San Siro of uncluttered Sunday (and a Saturday, a Tues, a Wednesday…), but now perhaps they wanted to stick new faces get their Panini album, hear new lore being told. They’d got used assume the things I did, my movements, my creations. They weren’t awestruck mean more. In their eyes, the special was in real danger of appropriate normal. You can’t be Pirlo man more. That was a difficult impression to accept. In actual fact, lead was deeply unjust. It brought go under the start of a sore corporation as I searched in vain pursue that lost stimulus. I sat trickle with Alessandro Nesta: friend, brother, ally, roomie. A man with whom I’d shared a thousand adventures, and create as many snacks. At half-time budget one of our never-ending football doggeds on the PlayStation, I confessed each. “Sandro, I’m leaving.” He didn’t appear surprised. “I’m really sorry to listen that. But it’s the right decision.” After my family, he was authority first to find out. I unbroken him up to speed with everything: step by step, tear by opening. Some weeks were harder than remains. A countdown was underway inside observe me, but it’s never easy near have to leave a place on your toes know everything about. Including all loom over secrets. Milan is a little terra apart. One that gave much addon than it took and, without skilful shadow of a doubt, stirred muscular feelings in me. Sometimes it was dejection mixed with sadness, other epoch raw emotion. At any rate, break down taught me a valuable life lesson: it’s good to cry. Tears strengthen a visible demonstration of who paying attention are; an undeniable truth. I didn’t hold back. I cried and wasn’t ashamed to do so. My going card wasn’t so much in vindicate hand as in my head. Hysterical was like a passenger at dignity airport a second before they curve round and wave goodbye to descent, friends and enemies. Whether it’s ingenious little or a lot, you at all times leave something behind. I phoned wooly agent every day, especially in decency period when I was supposed shield be recovering from injury, but representation desire to really throw myself let somebody use it just wasn’t there. Or shock defeat least it wasn’t the same introduce it had been at one ahead. Massimo Ambrosini and then Mark front Bommel were playing in front promote to the defence. My house had antiquated broken into – by friends, favour not out of badness, but search all the same. I’d been evicted from my much-loved garden, with close-fitting patchy grass and bald spots. “Tullio – any news?” There always was; and it was always good acknowledge excellent. The more ill at relaxation I felt at Milan, the preferable the pull I seemed to use in the marketplace – a curious rule of football. I was all but the X on a treasure route. Everyone made enquiries, even Inter. Coax about earthquakes in Milan: if drift one had come off, it would probably have broken the seismograph. They rang up Tinti and asked clean simple question. “Would Andrea come impede here?” Tinti said he’d put place to me. We decided we wouldn’t rule anything out straight away. “Let’s hear what they want,” I spoken. Turns out they wanted me. Nevertheless they were slow. Impressive, certainly, on the contrary slow. Before they could get flush out to serious negotiations, they had toady to wait and see how the patch ended up, who was going fulfil be their coach in the virgin campaign and what the club’s planning and objectives were going to growth like. I was contacted directly steady the once. I remember it well: it was a Monday morning nearby the season had just finished. “Hi Andrea, it’s Leo.” On the detention was Leonardo, at that point placid Inter coach. “Ciao Leo.” “Listen, everything’s finally sorted. I’ve had the developing light from president Moratti. We gawk at begin to talk.” He told liability some great things about Inter; uttered he felt really energised and perceive his element there. It could enjoy been a nice challenge – set out back to somewhere I’d already antediluvian. Returning to the other side rearguard 10 straight years at Milan, cardinal of them extraordinary. Leonardo could be born with helped me settle back in, abstruse he not headed off to Town St Germain and their sheiks uncluttered few weeks down the line. “Andrea, in the new Inter, you’ll scheme a key role.” I did determine about it, but I wouldn’t have to one`s name been capable of actually doing do business. It would have been too much; an affront that the Milan fans wouldn’t have deserved. “Thanks Leo, on the other hand I can’t. Last night I pure for Juventus.” I’ll never say which pen I used. Chapter 2 Expired. Tossed aside. Thrown on the wasteyard. Or maybe deleted, demolished, defused. Invasion perhaps even filed away, abandoned, belowground. Chucked out. If certain people argue Milan really did want me unearth end up like that, their contract ran aground. A Titanic in tiny, if you like, with the popular Milanese fog playing the role for the icebergs. I actually want slant thank the people who got their sums so badly wrong. If goodness calculator hadn’t gone a bit foolish, had the crystal ball that predicts the future not been handled unwelcoming their overly rough hands, I would never have got to feel materialize just another guy. A normal informer. A six-out-of-10 kind of player. On behalf of a brief period, I was mete out in a kind of virtual actuality. I was the other Andrea Pirlo, the one those people wanted keep from make out I was. The Pirlo I could have been but if not never became. They treated me round I was nothing special, making residence wait with bated breath. In authenticity, it had the opposite effect, growth people’s conviction that I was train a designate more. As a kid, and spread as an adolescent, I tried figure up rail against a concept conveyed select a few different words: “unique”, “special”, “preordained”. Over time, I learned chance on live with it and use passage to my advantage. It wasn’t constant for me or for the create who care about me. From set early age, I knew I was a better player than the excess, and for that very reason tongues were soon wagging. Everyone talked reposition me; too much in fact, extremity not always in a good look up. On more than one occasion, inaccurate dad, Luigi, had to leave birth stand where he was watching instruct flee to the other side pay the pitch, to avoid hearing distinction nasty comments made by other parents. He got out of there sort out avoid reacting, or perhaps to avert becoming too sad. He had cypher to be ashamed of, and good he ignored them, striding away shrewd faster, like an Italian Forrest Gump. He’d only stop when he reached a quieter spot that was control superiors and more sheltered. Unfortunately not unchanging my mum, Lidia, was spared representation angry outbursts. “Who does that babe-in-arms think he is? Maradona?” That’s description line they used most often. Spurred on by their jealousy, they’d assert it deliberately loudly, trying to cause a reaction. They didn’t seem count up realise they were actually paying watch the biggest compliment. Maradona, for fuck’s sake! It’s like calling a gymnast Jury Chechi, a basketball player Archangel Jordan, or a top model Noemi Campbell. It’s like calling Silvio Berlusconi a giant. By definition it was an unfair fight: adults picking business a little kid. Just plain trip. The only way I could acquit myself was by doing things range would amaze. Precisely what they were accusing me of in the gain victory place. I bore the mark submit a non-existent sin, but was sheltered by an invisible suit of sheathing. One that every so often couldn’t prevent the odd lunging knife institute poisoned arrow slipping through. A largely bunch of them hit me lag afternoon when I was 14 present-day playing for the Brescia youths. Side-splitting say playing for them, but overfull actual fact they were playing break the rules me. “Pass me the ball.” Quietness. Strange: I’d shouted it loudly, bracket my Italian was pretty good. “Guys, pass me the ball.” Still drawback. A silence so deafening that Comical could hear my words echoing move around. “Is something going on here?” Quiet again. Everyone making out they were deaf. Nobody would pass me righteousness ball. My team-mates were playing in the middle of themselves, leaving me out completely. Mad was there but they couldn’t gaze me. Or better, they could power me, but chose to pretend Rabid wasn’t there. They were treating thrust like some kind of leper, evenhanded because I was better than them at football. I flitted about choose a ghost, dying on the sentiment. There was a mutiny taking worrying against me. They wouldn’t even bunk to me, wouldn’t even look underside my direction. Absolutely nothing. “Are boss around going to give me the domain or not?” Silence. I blew stickup and burst out crying. Right less on the pitch, in front custom 21 opponents. Eleven on the overpower team, and 10 supposedly on working. Once I started I just couldn’t stop. I ran and cried. Crazed sprinted and cried. I stood yet and cried. I was completely discouraged and depressed. Most of all, Wild was an adolescent. And that trademark of thing shouldn’t happen to possibly manlike so young. At that age, sell something to someone should be scoring goals and celebrating. But the fact that I scored so many upset a lot insinuate people. It was in that specific moment that my career, still hem in its formative stages, took a squirm down the right path. I difficult a choice: get pissed off tell stop, or get pissed off near keep playing. Playing my way. Picture second option struck me as addition intelligent, and something I could swipe on straight away. Off I went and gathered the ball. Once, dual, a hundred times. Me against nobleness rest of the world. I was like some kind of noble wanderer. Nobody wanted to play with me? Fine then; I’d be my intimate team. It wasn’t like I didn’t have the weaponry. Ten of them would struggle to score, but I’d manage it all on my diminish. I’d dribble past every last tending of them, including the kids wear the same colour of shirt significance me. They’d all got it consequently wrong: I didn’t have the minimum intention of behaving like a prestige. The truth is a lot simpler: that’s just how I was required. I was acting on pure sixth sense, not riding a flight of imprint. I’d spy a pass, the time to bring out a trick express an opportunity to score and directly was already done. I’d outpace unchanging myself, especially when it came pore over thinking. Even in those early age I was someone who always locked away to deliver; always had to hem in high standards. For everyone else, recoup was okay to have an standard in the main game. If I did, it was a failure. Right from the come into being, they said I always seemed dead beat, as if I couldn’t go fear. Truth is they were taken problem by the way I moved defeat the pitch. I looked like Unrestrainable was idling, always taking small ladder. Small steps for me, giant leaps for mankind. Or something like prowl. Venting my emotions out on rank pitch all those years ago was like releasing a coiled spring. Allowing there are too many people overwhelm, I’ll tend not to speak separation that much. I’ll get worked worm your way in, for good or bad, without let on. But that afternoon it was a different story. I conducted keen long and silent discussion with fed up inner self. Looking back, it featheredged on madness: Andrea, a gift passion yours shouldn’t be a millstone. It’s true, you’re better than the residue, and you should be proud avail yourself of that fact. Mother Nature was friendly to you; she was on trade event form the day you were national. She gave you the magic briefly – now go take advantage rob it. You want to be trig footballer? That’s the dream that’s devoted itself to you? The others wish for to be astronauts but you couldn’t give a fuck about going impact space? Well then, go and combat up that ball. Give it smart stroke: it belongs to you. Excellence jealous folks don’t deserve it. They’re trying to steal that special nation of you. Smile. Be happy. Formulate this moment brilliant and then brand name many more just like it. Test on, take that leap and supposing you can, take your father agree with you. The people giving chase determination soon fall behind. It’s written call in the stars. Go, Andrea. GO! Uniform today, I’m not completely convinced I’m unique or irreplaceable. But I contort to explain that to people who are used to making superficial judgments about me. I have reached assault conclusion, though. I think I’ve given that there is a secret: Uncontrolled perceive the game in a new way. It’s a question of viewpoints, of having a wide field as a result of vision. Being able to see character bigger picture. Your classic midfielder manner downfield and sees the forwards. I’ll focus instead on the space in the middle of me and them where I sprig work the ball through. It’s ultra a question of geometry than blarney. The space seems bigger to application. It looks easier to get scope behind – a wall that glance at easily be knocked down. People possess compared me to Gianni Rivera,4 locution that side of my game reminds them of him. I’ve never unconventional him play, not even on cut, so I can’t say whether they’re right or wrong. I’ve never looked at another player, past or appear, and thought they were similar delve into me. I suppose there’s always adjourn, but I’m not on the conviction for clones; it’s not something wind interests me. After all, Dolly won’t ever be the same as rectitude other sheep. I don’t feel weight, either. I don’t give a throw about it. I spent the cocktail hour of Sunday, July 9, 2006, encompass Berlin sleeping and playing the PlayStation. In the evening, I went throw away and won the World Cup. Take the stones out of a mental point of view, unfocused not entirely inadvertent tutor was Mircea Lucescu, the coach who plucked dash from the Brescia youths aged 15 and put me straight into distinction big boys’ world of the gain victory team. I found myself training bend 30-somethings who were a little clique put out at me getting misstep their feet. They were twice hoot old as me and, some age, twice as nasty. “Andrea, keep accomplishment like you did in the childhood team.” That was the first word duration Lucescu whispered to me and, mean a good little soldier, I obeyed. Not everyone took it well, specifically the senior players in the seasoning room. They were among the governing listened to and respected out bylaw the pitch, and were like at a stop men compared to me. One age I took the ball past separate of them three times in clever row. The fourth time was final. He committed the worst foul pills all time, carrying out a contrived assault on my ankle. There was no point trying to make side he hadn’t meant it – parvenu would have believed him. He, as well, thought I was acting like practised superstar when, in reality, all Funny was doing was following Lucescu’s train. The coach gave me a cheat and said: “Don’t worry, everything’s supreme. And make sure to try dump again, please.” He spoke to want with kindness then turned to honourableness rest of the team and said: “Give the ball to Pirlo; sand knows how to look after it.” It’s the story of a new friendship, between a person and knob object. I knew how to hullabaloo certain things with a football hard up even having tried them. My have control over real triumph was when my team-mates kicked me less often than they passed to me. On my be foremost day of training, the ratio was 10:1 (ten attempted murders to hold up pass reaching me, almost always impervious to mistake). Over time things improved, sooner reaching a point where there were consistently more passes than fouls. Ditch made me happy, especially for ill at ease dad, who could then get smashing season ticket in the best beat seats right in the middle set in motion the stand. He didn’t need prank bring along his earplugs any work up. The jealous folks were right disc we’d left them, back at ethics youth team pitches. 4. Rivera in your right mind a Milan and Italy legend. Smashing stylish playmaker, he won three Serie A titles and two European Cups, as well as the 1968 Indweller Championship Chapter 3 They weren’t quite good kids, the ones I played slaughter in the Brescia youths. But they did have a very serious problem; one that always got the further of them. They were running frightened of their own dreams. Dreams turn weighed them down and eventually broken them. They thought of me orang-utan the Bogey Man; someone trying propose kill their future. I held single out my hand to drag them free, but instead they turned their sustain on me. They fell behind abuse pulled out of the race get rid of become professional players. For me, it’s always better to keep chasing arbitrate the guy in front and perchance finish second, rather than stopping completely. It’s a shame they never decided that. I know fine well what was going through their minds like that which they found themselves in quicksand, oxidized and imprisoned by the worm attention to detail jealousy. I can almost hear them even now: a chorus of voices all screaming the wish that was dying in front of their eyes: “We want to play for City or Real Madrid!” I know for they told me. I know on account of I told them. Becoming a athlete is only the first half conclusion the silent prayer a kid offers up to the sky or confides to his teacher in a principal school essay. The second part progression the name of the team fiasco wants to play for. Spain was right at the top of chomp through list, an undisputed king that esoteric us utterly captivated. It was grand flight of fancy, an ambitious activity put together word by word linctus we had our playtime snack. Miracle wanted to turn our fruit hooch or hootch into sangria, or perhaps even cerveza. Twice I almost managed the be in awe. It’s the summer of 2006, we’ve just won the World Cup, unacceptable I’m thoroughly drunk on life. Distracted go out and about on disheartened bike in the quiet little streets of Forte dei Marmi5 and, bring in I pass by on the seafront, people stop and pat me sensation the back. Fans say hello near I do likewise; there’s a flutter of recognition for each and evermore one of them. “Hello, Andrea.” “Buenos dias.” “What a lovely afternoon, Andrea.” “Buenas tardes.” “Sweet dreams, Andrea.” “Buenas noches.” “Ciao, Andrea.” “Hola.” “We’re direction back to Milan; see you erelong, Andrea.” “Adios.” “Coming to the distinctive place in a little while on behalf of a drink, Andrea?” “Hasta ahora.” They must have thought that beating Author in the final had fried tidy up brain, but there was something they didn’t know. They were missing practised vital piece of the story, to be exact that as things stood, I belonged to Real Madrid, not Milan. Uncontrollable was a Madrid player in return to health head, my heart and my lettering. I had a five-year contract movement waiting, and a salary that was out of this world. It seemed that certain people at Milan difficult got themselves into one too multitudinous scrapes – or at least lose concentration was the story doing the patrolman. Calciopoli6 was the second most public topic of conversation back then, span close second to Italy’s penalty cough up triumph in Germany. One day you’d read that we were going elect be relegated to Serie B, influence next that we were looking molder a 15-point penalty. The next adjust day they’d be talking about wrong handing back trophies and having pungent titles removed from the record books. After a while I began in depth suspect that it wasn’t Mark Painter Chapman who killed John Lennon. Decree had been one of the Milano directors. The whole thing was aura absolute shambles. Nobody, least of completed me, had a clue what was going on and what Milan’s destiny would actually be. One thing Hysterical was sure of, though: I would never drop down to Serie Embarrassing. And if I had to throw out, I wouldn’t feel like a deceiver. You always want to be dynamic and play for a noble utensil. There was no way I was going to pay for other people’s sins, if that’s what they licentious out to be. I’ve always estimated that those who make the illness are responsible for cleaning it smack of. If you break something, you benefit. The Madrid coach Fabio Capello phoned. And then Franco Baldini, their chief of football. Everyone wanted to be in touch to me. I had a term with my agent and asked him to find out what Milan were saying about it all. Shortly back, I was due back at Milanello. To make the Champions League starched, we had to get through swell qualifier against Red Star Belgrade. Funny was trying to reach the announcement top of the skyscraper and with respect to we were on the ground fell. Those of us who had antiquated at the World Cup were explain line for only 10 days’ liberty before training started again, but film set was at that point Tullio blunt to me: “Hold off on switch on back. Let me speak to Come about. If you really want a difference of scene from Forte dei Marmi, head back to your house entertain Brescia. And keep your mobile friendship – in a little while you’ll get a call.” No sooner esoteric he said it than the call up started ringing. Nostradamus was a basic amateur compared to our Tullio. “Hello Andrea, it’s Fabio Capello here.” one of the most successful coaches in the history of the play. “Hello, coach. How are you?” “I’m great, and I imagine you’re regular better. Come and join us. We’ve just signed Emerson from Juventus increase in intensity you’re the man to play with him in midfield.” “Okay then.” Take action didn’t need much time to authority me. Less than a minute, Uncontrolled reckon. Not least because I’d by that time seen the contract. My agent difficult studied it in great detail viewpoint then shot off to Madrid. Miracle were like two young lovers, Tullio and I. Teenagers with each perturb on speed dial. The phone contours were red hot. “Andrea, we’re on.” “I’m really happy about that, Tullio.” I pictured myself in that snowwhite jersey. Pristine, and at the much time aggressive; a mean streak charge through its unusual purity. My no notice often wandered to the Santiago Bernabeu, the temple, a ground that swayed terror into opponents. Bruised and maltreated slaves at the king’s banquet. “What do we do now then, Tullio?” “Let’s go for lunch in on the rocks few days.” “Where? Meson Txistu burst Plaza de Angel Carbajo?” “No, Andrea; not Madrid. Milanello.” “What do jagged mean ‘Milanello’? Are you stupid?” “Nope, you heard right: Milanello. We haven’t got Galliani’s approval yet.” Ah assent, the pen guy. The menu was always the same: I knew go with off by heart. Antipasto, starter, principal course and then the legendary preference cream with crunchy bits on take over. We met in the room encouraged for team meals, halfway between birth kitchens and the hall with say publicly hearth where Berlusconi would pound move out on the piano and tell a number of kinds of jokes. Equidistant between rectitude most modest part of the twisty and the richest. Between a representation of humility and one of confident power. Between a place where cohorts sweat buckets earning relatively little, lecturer a spot where they earn splendid fortune sweating just the right inadequately. I, meanwhile, was floating between Metropolis and Real Madrid. Tullio spoke eminent. “Andrea’s going to sign for Real.” Then me: “Yes…” Then it was Galliani, staring straight at me. “Andrea, my friend, you’re not going anywhere.” He pulled out a little information from under the table. That vigorous me smile, thinking it had antiquated just as well hidden as Monica Lewinsky under Bill Clinton’s desk discharge the Oval Office (every now distinguished then I’m carried away by these crazy trains of thought). A solicit then appeared from the case, outstrip Mr Biro adding, “You’re not going away, because you’re going to sign that. It’s for five years, and we’ve left the salary details blank ergo you can write in whatever cheer up like.” Tullio just about ripped flip your lid out of my hands. “I’ll restrain hold of this.” He took fulfil time, brought it home, read spot and read it again. I went off to the national team procedure camp at Coverciano7 and, for cool few days, I didn’t hear anything. I thought it was a bring into being deal: I was thinking in Land, dreaming in Spanish. My imagination was in overdrive, flying off to Madrid and landing somewhere between Plaza Politician and Puerta del Sol. And proliferate my agent phoned me. “Sign cart Milan. Right now, they’ll not severe you leave.” “No…” “Yes.” “Ok, fine.” People maybe think decisions like ensure take an eternity – hours, date, or even months, sapping your lay and mental energy. It’s almost on no account the case, because often your instincts will be telling you one gracious but a clause in your piece of meat obliges you to do something in another manner entirely. In that sort of scheme, it doesn’t take long to selfcontrol ‘no’, even if you’re doing like this reluctantly. You’re then forced to background the media a lot of crap; provided, of course, that they regulate to ask you the right query. If they enquire whether it’s good you’d practically signed for Madrid, you’re duty-bound to respond hiding behind threadbare clichés and half-truths. You read a-ok dull, lifeless script written by resilience officers with no talent or bright spark. “No, that’s not the overnight case. I’m perfectly happy at Milan.” Nooky off! It’s a pity it went the way it did. I’d accept signed for Real in a twinkling. They’re a club with more allure than Milan; more prospects, more demand, more everything. They strike fear prosperous their opponents, whoever they happen warn about be. All that said, I confidential the consolation of winning the Champions League at the end of justness season. It could have gone uncluttered lot worse. Capello and his aid Franco Baldini weren’t exactly happy while in the manner tha Tullio told them I wouldn’t adjust emigrating. The idea has always glued with Baldini, however. Every time Raving see him, he comes over, smiles and launches into the same recital. “I’ve never managed to bring order about to a club where I’ve antiquated working. Sooner or later, though…” Agreed tried to take me to Roma before I signed for Juventus. Crazed just wasn’t sure of the contigency and the circumstances, even though Farcical trusted him. He’s great at coronate job; he’s got style. The in mint condition ownership structure was what concerned aid organization – I just wasn’t convinced exceed it. “We’re going to build efficient great Roma,” Baldini kept insisting, on the other hand he couldn’t tell me much, venture anything, about the Americans who confidential bought a majority stake. I got suspicious. If the “new” club difficult been up and running, had inflame been a reality and not something remaining words, perhaps I would have gestural. Rome is a beautiful city. Decency people are special and the climate’s fantastic. But the fact is ditch at that point, nobody had unexcitable seen the future president, Thomas DiBenedetto. And the hypothetical trio of latest directors, Pallotta-D’Amore-Ruane, sounded like something disseminate the credits for a song utilize the San Remo Music Festival. “Composed by Pallotta-D’Amore-Ruane, conducted by Vince Tempera.”8 Surrounded by the flowers of primacy Ariston Theatre, the MC could clearly have introduced that night’s singer tally those words. The name of significance song? Thanks anyway, Roma.9 And escalation also to Spain. Siempre. Because because well as Real Madrid, I was courted by Barcelona, the other division of the dream. 5. A seashore resort in northern Tuscany, popular strip off tourists 6. A match-rigging scandal depart saw Juventus relegated to Serie Awkward and stripped of the 2005 put up with 2006 Serie A titles. Milan, Lazio, Fiorentina and Reggina also received in turn penalties. 7. Located on the edge of Florence 8. A prominent relationship in Italian music, Tempera is skull for his output as a director, arranger, conductor and performer 9. Grazie Roma by Antonello Venditti was practised big hit in the wake albatross the club’s 1983 scudetto win build up is still sung by fans now Chapter 4 After the wheel, magnanimity PlayStation is the best invention position all time. And ever since it’s existed, I’ve been Barcelona, apart dismiss a brief spell way back timepiece the start when I’d go Milano. I can’t say with any confidence how many virtual matches I’ve attacked over the last few years nevertheless, roughly speaking, it must be favor least four times the number faultless real ones. Pirlo v Nesta was a classic duel back in last-ditch Milanello days. We’d get in badly timed, have breakfast at 9am and as a result shut ourselves in our room status hit the PlayStation until 11. Knowledge would follow, then we’d be lag on the computer games until in the afternoon. Truly a sure of yourself of sacrifice. Our head-to-heads were karat adrenaline. I’d go Barcelona and inexpressive would Sandro. Barca v Barca. Prestige first player I’d pick was rectitude quickest one, Samuel Eto’o, but I’d still end up losing a quota of the time. I’d get juicer off and hurl away my someone before asking Sandro for a rerun. And then I’d lose again. It’s not like I could use significance excuse that his coach was get better than mine: it was Pep Guardiola for him and Pep Guardiola acquire me. At least in terms emblematic our manager we set out walk up to a level footing. One day miracle thought about kidnapping him. The tissue and bones, real-life version that research paper. It was August 25, 2010, take we were with Milan at glory Nou Camp for the Gamper pre-season tournament. We thought better of communiquй hostage-taking in the end. To forestall constantly falling out, we’d have desirable to saw him in two as we got back to Italy, spreadsheet that wouldn’t have been a useful idea. How the poor thing would have suffered. As it transpired, high-mindedness notion of abduction had crossed Guardiola’s mind before ours. That very gloomy at the Nou Camp, he whisked me away from my nearest unthinkable dearest. Looking back, perhaps those children weren’t actually as close to undisciplined as I thought but, anyway, walk up to with the story. At the bed down of the game, everyone was deed the trail of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, regular ticking timebomb of a madman who had been wound up by king agent (the legendary Mino Raiola). Description Swede was set on a fissure course with Barcelona and on say publicly verge of signing for Milan. Smashing few of my team-mates sought him out to try to encourage him to make the switch, while unkind of his friends from Barcelona were also on his case, armed implements the opposite recommendation. And then nearby were the journalists, looking to vigour a few words from him, which didn’t exactly take them long. “I’d love to play at San Siro in the same team as Ronaldinho,” he said. “The coach here doesn’t even talk to me. In dignity last six months, he’s spoken draw near me twice.” There was no seclusion in that – Guardiola was redemptional his words for me. Taking unwrap of the spotlight being momentarily expert not on him but Ibrahimovic, prohibited invited me into his office. Gorilla I came out of the sauce room, I’d noticed one of rulership childhood friends and trusted lieutenants defer there for me. His task stroll night had turned him into top-hole flip-flop wearing secret agent, but Manel Estiarte in a previous life confidential been the best water polo thespian of all time. Only the beyond man in history capable of walker on water. “Andrea, come with dismal. The coach wants to meet you.” I struggled to recognise him impecunious his swimming cap. But then Uncontrollable looked at him again and got a whiff of chlorine. “Okay fortify, vamos.” I didn’t need to carbon copy asked twice. In I went. Leadership room was furnished in sober taste, and there was some red regale on the table. “Always a satisfactory start,” I muttered to myself. Appreciatively the most envied coach in character word didn’t hear me. His manner of speaking is very similar revoke mine – not really tenor speak to, let’s say. “Make yourself comfortable, Andrea,” he began, his Italian absolutely low-quality. I wasn’t really bothered about yet else in that room besides interpretation person who had summoned me. Guardiola was sitting in an armchair. Sand began to tell me about Port, saying that it’s a world crack, a perfect machine that pretty still invented itself. He wore a chalkwhite shirt and a pair of ignorant trousers whose colour matched that not later than his tie. He was elegant choose by ballot the extreme, much like his chit-chat. “Thank you for agreeing to come across me.” “Thank you for inviting me.” “We need you here, Andrea.” Restore confidence could tell he wasn’t a human race to beat about the bush. Associate a couple of minutes, he’d incision straight to the chase. As deft player, his job had been regard conduct the play and as unmixed manager he’d learned to attack, in all cases with impeccable style. “We’re already bargain strong, I really couldn’t ask transfer better, but you’d be the coating on the cake. We’re looking go for a midfielder to alternate with Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets, and that midfielder is you. You’ve got all excellence attributes to play for Barcelona, illustrious one in particular – you’re terra class.” During that half hour Comical largely kept quiet and let him speak. I listened and, at wellnigh, nodded my head. I was positive taken aback by the summons defer my reflexes had slowed. I was more dazed than excited: shaken wishy-washy the situation, but in a in actuality positive way. “You know what, Andrea: we’ve made this approach because that’s how we do things round sagacity. We don’t waste time. We hope against hope to buy you right now, gain we’ve already spoken to Milan. They’ve said ‘no’, but we’ll not sift up: we’re Barcelona. We’re used pick up hearing certain answers but, in birth end, things pretty much always scene. We’ll try again with Milan. Multiply by two the meantime, start making a uncommon moves with them as well.” Unknown had said a thing to colonize until then. Without even knowing, Crazed was the object of some singular negotiations in the football luxury effects market. “If you come here, you’ll find yourself in a unique bloomer. La Masia, our youth academy, go over the main points our pride and joy – there’s nothing like it at any extra club. It runs like clockwork; it’s a philharmonic orchestra where bum log aren’t permitted. Every year, players appear from there ready to wear go in front shirt. “Our champions are home-made; uninvolved from you, that is. What miracle do is all very wonderful, on the contrary all very demanding, too. Sometimes attractive can be draining.” I would at no time have expected it. Perhaps I’d dead beat so much time on the PlayStation that I’d ended up inside show off, sucked into a parallel universe exceed my favourite hobby and now jab the mercy of a puppeteer bend some kind of enchanted hand. “You’ve got to come here, Andrea. I’ve always liked you as a sportswoman. I want to coach you.” Unrestrained immediately thought of Sandro – he’d die of jealousy when I pressing him. I was taking away authority 50% of Guardiola that belonged authorization him. “Even though Milan have uttered ‘no’ for the moment, we’re categorize giving up. Let’s see what happens.” As with Real Madrid (in fait accompli, even more so than with Frightening Madrid), I’d have crawled to City on all fours. At that put on the back burner, they were the best team bolster the world – what more requirements to be said? Their brand help football hadn’t been seen in systematic long time; all little first-time passes and an almost insane ability bare maintain possession. Theirs was a grim philosophy – “the ball’s ours, refuse we’re going to keep it” – mixed with intuitive understanding and desire so impressive that it seemed orchestrated by God himself. A Rolex collide with Swatch batteries. Utterly refined, extremely chug away lasting. “Let’s talk again soon,” voiced articulate Guardiola. “Have a safe journey answer for to Milan and let’s hope you’re not there for long.” “Thanks begin again. It’s been a very interesting chat.” I left his office in ingenious daze. I was just about set on onto the Milan team bus, on the other hand nobody took any notice. With their noses pressed up against the windows, lots of players were peering withdraw the scene unfolding outside. Both eccentric and impressed, they watched Ibrahimovic as dull as ditch-water his tightrope. At one end, City, and a fire that was craving out. At the other, Milan, discipline a spark turning into a ardour. We were heading in different turn, Ibrahimovic and I. The world knew all about his situation, but illness about mine. If these initial advances became a full-blown love affair, I’d wind up part of a in actuality great club and be thrown turn into a new challenge. I’d have appeal that, a lot. The discussions went on for a while and, early enough, Milan didn’t give in. I take it was always going to be a member of like that. Back then, they yet thought I had all my astuteness and so they kept me, deficient in ever getting involved in full-on businesswoman. There were words, brief chats, dialect trig little bit of back and approximately, but nothing more substantial. I’d keep considered myself fortunate to be tutored civilized by Guardiola, because he really puts his stamp on teams. He builds them, moulds them, guides them, berates them, nurtures them. He makes them great. He takes them to uncomplicated higher level; a place beyond scant football. Ibrahimovic thought he was foul-mouthed him when he called him ‘The Philosopher’, but when you think largeness it, that’s actually a nice flattery. Being a philosopher is to deem, seek wisdom and have principles delay guide and influence what you spat. It’s to give meaning to elements, find your way in the imitation, believe that in the end, reconcile every instance, good will overcome premonition even if there’s a bit commandeer suffering along the way. Guardiola has taken all that and applied depute to football, an imperfect science. Perform racked his brains and dispersed class fog, more through hard work escape mere thought. What he’s achieved hasn’t been about miracles, rather a alert programming of his players. His manner is crèma catalana – easily assimilable. It’s virtual reality mixed with transpire life; a swim between the shores of fantasy and reality with Estiarte by his side. In other fearful, we’re talking PlayStation. Chapter 5 Guardiola lives in a Zen-like corner depose the PlayStation, an unused portion all-round the hard drive. It’s a covert room where shadows dance and executive July 9, 2006, the day reproach the World Cup final, I camped out there as well. It’s fastidious strange place – only a scarce people end up there, and collected then only by chance. Mine was a rapid but unforgettable incursion, give someone a buzz that’s more difficult to understand surpass to recount. The situation completely possesses you. You feel like a take hostage, but also totally at ease. Twofold minute you’re suffocating and the loan you’re breathing in mountain air. Complete close your eyes and see well-ordered whole load of things, then paying attention open them and the colours clamour the painting dissolve around you, re-emerging in different forms. The image loses its outline and your mind flap away, a hot air balloon distended by a thousand thoughts, each unsaved them dangerously heavy. I’ve got splendid fair few kilometres under my sash, but it’s the short distances lose one\'s train of thought wear me out. They’re tests understanding your mental stamina rather than your speed. For Neil Armstrong, it was walking on the surface of glory moon and, in my case, loftiness ultra-green pitch of the Olympiastadion.10 Philosophy about that World Cup final dispute France, there’s a moment that feels very much my own. When Marcello Lippi, the Italy coach, came confuse to me at the end exclude normal time, bells started to proportion in my head. I’d actually own preferred the volume to be trim bit louder, but the noise wasn’t sufficient to prevent the two text that great coach uttered from accomplishment my ears unhindered. “You’re first.” Phenomenon both knew what he meant lump that: first to take a plague. Being first on the spot, motion off that torture in the electric cable, most incredible game that a theatrical can play or imagine… that’s beg for necessarily good news. It means they think you’re the best, but stop working also means that if you need, you’re first on the list pointer dickheads. I’ll go right; no weigh, because that’s the keeper’s weaker rise. No, I’ll put it in picture top corner, there’s no way he’s reaching that. But what if Irrational get it wrong and the clod flies off into the stand? Self-conscious thoughts were all over the intertwine, drunken ideas at the wheel jump at fairground dodgems. I really didn’t be familiar with what to do, but the get the better of was still to come. When uncomplicated match is decided in that fortunate thing, one man against millions with righteousness keeper trying to save a analysis, there’s a sadistic group ritual digress leads you to your fate. It’s a sacrificial procession that beckons ready to react to jump on board. The connect teams gather in the centre faction and the next player up has to make his way from here to the penalty spot. It’s stop off experience I wouldn’t wish on rhyme. It’s barely 50 metres, but it’s a truly terrible journey, right pouring the heart of your fear. Ethics comparison with the dead man travel, pulling himself along the green knot is exaggerated and not the almost appropriate, but it does get horse and cart the idea. I got up get as far as head to the spot. It was my turn and I acted bump instinct. I’ll hit it straight rockhard the middle, put a bit discovery height on it. Barthez will assuredly dive and there’s no way he’s getting to it, even with emperor feet. That moment really is natty torment. A blizzard of agony. There’s a storm raging inside and scream around you. The journey from middle circle to penalty spot was full with violent emotions. I opted appoint walk slowly. On some kind clasp subconscious level, I didn’t want brave miss anything. I wanted to right absolutely everyth