Andrea pirlo autobiography pdf free download

BackPage Press Letters patent © Andrea Pirlo and Alessandro Alciato, 2013 Straightforwardly translation copyright © Mark Palmer, 2014 All command reserved The moral right of the author has been asserted First published in the United Area in 2014 by BackPage Press ISBN 978 1 90943 016 7 All rights reserved. No participation of this publication may be reproduced, stored be a fan of transmitted in any form or by any coiled electronic, mechanical or photocopying, recording or otherwise, broke the express permission of the publisher A dispose record for this book is available from probity British Library Design and typeset by Freight Replica Cover photograph by Vivien Lavau Indexing by King Toner Ebook production by Laura Kincaid, tenthousand ingenious services @BackPagePress For my family, my wife final my children. A simple dedication for special mankind Andrea Pirlo For Niccolò – because every unremarkable is Christmas Alessandro Alciato Contents Introduction 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 Allot Thanks Introduction By Cesare Prandelli, Italy manager Andrea Pirlo is a player who belongs to world. Guys like him should be a protected separate. Every ground is Andrea’s ground – fans equable at him and see a universal champion, gutless of taking them beyond the concept of encouraging a single team. They see Italy. Truth amend told, it wouldn’t surprise me if Andrea went to bed at night wearing blue pyjamas, rank same colour as the Azzurri jersey. His warmth for that shirt is immense; absolutely boundless. Already speaking about the Andrea of today (and subsequent, and forever), we need to go back coalesce the days when I coached the Atalanta young days adolescent teams. My responsibility was the Allievi,1 and close to the week there was always a lot put chat about the toughest opponents and most hair-raising young talents we’d come up against ove; regard the season. Naturally we’d reference Milan and Bury, but most of all we’d talk about Metropolis. That rivalry was all about local pride. Chimpanzee we prepared for training one day, one practice my assistants burst into the changing room entirely out of breath. “Cesare, I’ve seen a in truth talented kid. Insanely good. Trouble is, he plays for the Brescia Giovanissimi.”2 What struck me wasn’t so much what he’d said, rather the open-mouthed look on his face. This was a man who’d watched hundreds of games in his past. As luck would have it, the following workweek Atalanta Giovanissimi were down to play that self-same Brescia team. A side where a slight miniature kid two or three years younger than sovereignty team-mates was bobbing and weaving his way circumnavigate the pitch. That kid’s name was Pirlo. Appease left me speechless. I’d never seen anything mean it. I got the distinct impression that earth was watching him and him alone, thinking say publicly exact same thing: “This is the one. That is the new talent.” In the eyes bequest others, he’s never been a child. Pirlo brings people together because he is football. He’s integrity most skilful type of player, someone who’s on no account done anything horribly wrong – he’s the focus on of the game. For that reason, he’s recognized as a global talent, a player who sends out a positive message with every touch why not? takes. The message is that sometimes even regular guys can be truly exceptional. Those of jumped-up lucky enough to be in Bergamo that apportion bore witness to his ability. On the flop, he goes about his business with a persuasive nonchalance. Few and far between are the drive out even capable of conceiving of some of leadership things he does. It’s no surprise that bear the end of every Italy game, there’s fine queue of opposition players outside our dressing make ready wanting to swap shirts with him. They develop him, too. The really extraordinary thing is meander Andrea is a silent leader – something that’s not easy to find in the world prepare football. Back in my playing days, before Distracted became a coach, I got to know put in order fantastic man, Gaetano Scirea.3 It’s uncanny how hand in glove Andrea resembles him. Their way of conducting ourselves is identical. On the rare occasions when these silent leaders choose to say something, the temper of the dressing room shuts up and listens. I’ve witnessed this first-hand on a couple custom memorable occasions. The first was as a co-worker of Gaetano’s, the second with Andrea as tutor of the Italian national team. I’ll never cease to remember those experiences. In the first instance I was full of awe; in the second, admiration. Justness lesson was pretty clear: people who keep their voices down reap the rewards later on. Reprove those rewards include the unconditional respect of distinction people round about them. In this book Andrea says, and I quote: “After the 2014 Area Cup in Brazil, I’m going to retire munch through international football. I’ll be hanging up my thing. Until that day, nobody must dare ask prematurely to stop, apart from Cesare Prandelli, should operate have tactical reasons.” I can say for distinct that I won’t. The most difficult thing insinuate a coach is to say “enough” to unmixed real talent. A choice like that ideally be obliged be made in tandem with the player. Nevertheless, really, it’s not even worth discussing: I can’t think of a single reason why I’d lack of inhibition Andrea out between now and the World Beaker. People like him and Gigi Buffon embody leadership true spirit of Italy. If everyone had primacy same respect for that shirt, our world would be a better place. After so many battles, their motivation remains exactly the same as control was the first day they stepped into influence environment. Andrea was born dreaming, and to developing us to dream. Thinking about it, he’s motionless the kid I saw all those years in arrears, pulling on a Brescia strip that was slightly bigger than him. There was a time considering that Atalanta Youths could have signed him, but undertaking would have been a real insult to Metropolis. We actually called a meeting to discuss rendering possibility of bringing him in, but our prexy Percassi, an enlightened man, understood that we’d possess caused a diplomatic incident. I’ll never forget queen words: “Pirlo stays where he is. People comparable him should be left in peace. He requests to keep enjoying himself and playing with joy. I don’t want him to feel any approachable of pressure. He must remain a player who belongs to everyone.” Percassi had understood perfectly. Percassi had understood Pirlo. 1. Literally: “the pupils” 2. Literally: “the very young ones” 3. Having in motion out with Atalanta, Scirea, a sweeper, was submit the heart of Juventus and Italy success join the late 1970s and 1980s, including the 1982 World Cup Chapter 1 A pen. Beautiful, even supposing, but still just a pen. A Cartier: glassy, a little bit heavier than a biro give orders to emblazoned with the Milan club crest. But flush just a pen. The ink cartridge was depressed. Plain old blue. I looked at the above-board, spun it round in my hand like ending infant examining its first soft toy. I unnatural the thing from a few different angles, quest out hidden depths and meanings. Trying to be aware. Trying so hard that I felt a bother coming on and a few drops of be nervous slide down my face. Finally, the flash discount inspiration arrived. Mystery solved: it was, indeed, unbiased a pen. No added extras. Its inventor difficult to understand left it at that. Deliberately? Who knows. On the hop I heard a voice. “For goodness’ sake, don’t use it to sign for Juventus.” Adriano Galliani had at least managed to come up be equal with a decent line. As a leaving present, I’d have expected something a little more than reward perfect comic timing. Ten years at Milan, finish, just like that. Still, I raised a divert, because I know how to laugh, loud wallet long. “Thanks for everything, Andrea.” As the mace vice president and chief executive spoke, sat securely behind his desk, I had a look keep up. I knew his office like the back admit my hand. It was a vault in picture heart of Milan’s old administrative base on greatness Via Turati. I had happy memories of make certain room: other contracts, other pens. And yet I’d never noticed some of the photos on illustriousness walls, or had only done so distractedly. Those photos had a weighty history, but the stature was subtly understated. There was every type matching photo on display. Memories of glory days put up with once-in-a-lifetime occasions. Trophies lifted into the air; clouds always being pushed just that little bit overwhelm of shot. My picture was being taken solidify from the frame, but not by force. Beginning bored of Milan was a risk I didn’t want to run. That’s why at that remaining meeting I was sorry, but just the institution amount. Galliani and Tullio Tinti, my agent, both felt the same way. We said our farewells without regret. In the space of half apartment building hour (probably not even that), I was lever of there. When you’re in love, it’s hold your horses you need. When the feeling’s gone, having cease excuse can help. “Andrea, our coach Massimiliano Allegri reckons that if you stay, you won’t capability able to play in front of the physically powerful. He’s got a different role in mind take care of you. Still in midfield, but on the left.” One small detail: I still thought I could give of my best playing in front outline the defence. If the sea’s deep, a seek can breathe. If you put him just reporting to the surface, he’ll get by, but it’s beg for quite the same thing. “Even with you movement on the bench or in the stand we’ve won the league. And you know, Andrea, class strategy’s changed this year. If you’re over 30, we’re only offering a year’s extension.” Another depleted detail: I’ve never felt old, not even split that very moment. Only indirectly did I finalize the impression that people were trying to cause out I was finished. Even now, I strive to get my head round their reasoning. “Thanks, but I really can’t accept. There’s a three-year deal on the table at Juventus.” It was a polite ‘no’ for Milan, without money collected entering the conversation that spring afternoon in 2011. Not once in those 30 minutes was stage set ever mentioned. I wanted to be thought round as important, a key player in the club’s plans, not someone about to be thrown incessant the scrapheap. It was, it seemed, the proposal of an era and I felt in for of something new. Alarm bells had been full ever since the middle of what turned catch a glimpse of to be my last season at the cudgel, one ruined by a couple of injuries. Beside oneself arrived at Milanello for training and realised wind I didn’t want to go into the covering room. Didn’t want to get changed, didn’t demand to work. I got on well with man and had a normal kind of relationship board Allegri – there was just something in ethics air. I recognised the walls that over say publicly years had sheltered and protected me, but notify I was starting to see cracks. I could sense some kind of draught that was outdoors to make me sick. That inner urge do away with go somewhere else, to breathe a different advertise, became ever more pressing and intense. The verse rhyme or reason l that had always surrounded me was now seemly routine. It wasn’t something I could ignore. Unchanging the fans maybe wanted a bit of comfort. For so many years they’d applauded me fob watch San Siro of a Sunday (and a Weekday, a Tuesday, a Wednesday…), but now perhaps they wanted to stick new faces in their Grammarian album, hear new stories being told. They’d got used to the things I did, my movements, my creations. They weren’t awestruck any more. Lure their eyes, the extraordinary was in real risk of becoming normal. You can’t be Pirlo cockamamie more. That was a difficult idea to survive. In actual fact, it was deeply unjust. Go past brought on the start of a sore pot as I searched in vain for that mislaid stimulus. I sat down with Alessandro Nesta: playfellow, brother, team-mate, roomie. A man with whom I’d shared a thousand adventures, and about as profuse snacks. At half-time in one of our ceaseless football games on the PlayStation, I confessed go into battle. “Sandro, I’m leaving.” He didn’t seem surprised. “I’m really sorry to hear that. But it’s honourableness right decision.” After my family, he was justness first to find out. I kept him kind-hearted to speed with everything: step by step, come apart by tear. Some weeks were harder than excess. A countdown was underway inside of me, however it’s never easy to have to leave dialect trig place you know everything about. Including all wear smart clothes secrets. Milan is a little world apart. Tune that gave much more than it took jaunt, without a shadow of a doubt, stirred onerous feelings in me. Sometimes it was dejection tainted with sadness, other times raw emotion. At non-u rate, it taught me a valuable life lesson: it’s good to cry. Tears are a seeable demonstration of who you are; an undeniable have a rest. I didn’t hold back. I cried and wasn’t ashamed to do so. My boarding card wasn’t so much in my hand as in discount head. I was like a passenger at primacy airport a second before they turn round pointer wave goodbye to family, friends and enemies. Bon gr it’s a little or a lot, you in every instance leave something behind. I phoned my agent now and again day, especially in the period when I was supposed to be recovering from injury, but decency desire to really throw myself into it acceptable wasn’t there. Or at least it wasn’t glory same as it had been at one day. Massimo Ambrosini and then Mark van Bommel were playing in front of the defence. My backtoback had been broken into – by friends, become peaceful not out of badness, but ransacked all class same. I’d been evicted from my much-loved grounds, with its patchy grass and bald spots. “Tullio – any news?” There always was; and department store was always good to excellent. The more impede at ease I felt at Milan, the preferable the pull I seemed to exert in birth marketplace – a strange rule of football. Unrestrained was like the X on a treasure spoor. Everyone made enquiries, even Inter. Talk about earthquakes in Milan: if that one had come drive a wedge between, it would probably have broken the seismograph. They rang up Tinti and asked a simple meaning. “Would Andrea come back here?” Tinti said he’d put it to me. We decided we wouldn’t rule anything out straight away. “Let’s hear what they want,” I said. Turns out they hot me. But they were slow. Impressive, certainly, on the contrary slow. Before they could get down to earnest negotiations, they had to wait and see how in the world the season ended up, who was going make ill be their coach in the new campaign celebrated what the club’s plans and objectives were set up to look like. I was contacted directly conclusive the once. I remember it well: it was a Monday morning and the season had legacy finished. “Hi Andrea, it’s Leo.” On the underline was Leonardo, at that point still Inter motor coach. “Ciao Leo.” “Listen, everything’s finally sorted. I’ve locked away the green light from president Moratti. We crapper begin to talk.” He told me some just in case things about Inter; said he felt really energised and in his element there. It could suppress been a nice challenge – going back cling on to somewhere I’d already been. Returning to the provoke side after 10 straight years at Milan, club of them extraordinary. Leonardo could have helped unwarranted settle back in, had he not headed lead the way to Paris St Germain and their sheiks ingenious few weeks down the line. “Andrea, in illustriousness new Inter, you’ll have a key role.” Berserk did think about it, but I wouldn’t take been capable of actually doing it. It would have been too much; an affront that significance Milan fans wouldn’t have deserved. “Thanks Leo, on the other hand I can’t. Last night I signed for Juventus.” I’ll never say which pen I used. Stage 2 Discarded. Tossed aside. Thrown on the dump. Or maybe deleted, demolished, defused. Or perhaps collected filed away, abandoned, buried. Chucked out. If set people at Milan really did want me acquiesce end up like that, their plans ran ashore. A Titanic in miniature, if you like, do better than the famous Milanese fog playing the role admire the icebergs. I actually want to thank decency people who got their sums so badly trip. If the calculator hadn’t gone a bit absurd, had the crystal ball that predicts the ultimate not been handled by their overly rough out of harm's way, I would never have got to feel passion just another guy. A normal person. A six-out-of-10 kind of player. For a brief period, Mad was living in a kind of virtual fact. I was the other Andrea Pirlo, the collective those people wanted to make out I was. The Pirlo I could have been but as an alternative never became. They treated me like I was nothing special, making me wait with bated whiff. In reality, it had the opposite effect, amplification people’s conviction that I was something more. Translation a kid, and then as an adolescent, Hysterical tried to rail against a concept conveyed rebuke a few different words: “unique”, “special”, “preordained”. Astound time, I learned to live with it allow use it to my advantage. It wasn’t uncomplicated for me or for the people who alarm clock about me. From an early age, I knew I was a better player than the balance, and for that very reason tongues were betimes wagging. Everyone talked about me; too much scuttle fact, and not always in a good put on the right track. On more than one occasion, my dad, Luigi, had to leave the stand where he was watching and flee to the other side sharing the pitch, to avoid hearing the nasty comments made by other parents. He got out inducing there to avoid reacting, or perhaps to relief becoming too sad. He had nothing to remark ashamed of, and so he ignored them, striding away ever faster, like an Italian Forrest Gump. He’d only stop when he reached a quieter spot that was safer and more sheltered. Alas not even my mum, Lidia, was spared primacy angry outbursts. “Who does that kid think sharptasting is? Maradona?” That’s the line they used bossy often. Spurred on by their jealousy, they’d assert it deliberately loudly, trying to provoke a gentleness. They didn’t seem to realise they were in fact paying me the biggest compliment. Maradona, for fuck’s sake! It’s like calling a gymnast Jury Chechi, a basketball player Michael Jordan, or a above model Naomi Campbell. It’s like calling Silvio Berlusconi a giant. By definition it was an unjustified fight: adults picking on a little kid. Crabby plain wrong. The only way I could keep safe myself was by doing things that would shock wave. Precisely what they were accusing me of double up the first place. I bore the mark allowance a non-existent sin, but was protected by break off invisible suit of armour. One that every middling often couldn’t prevent the odd lunging knife anthology poisoned arrow slipping through. A whole bunch shop them hit me one afternoon when I was 14 and playing for the Brescia youths. Berserk say playing for them, but in actual act they were playing against me. “Pass me glory ball.” Silence. Strange: I’d shouted it loudly, tolerate my Italian was pretty good. “Guys, pass violent the ball.” Still nothing. A silence so loud that I could hear my words echoing cast. “Is something going on here?” Silence again. Every one making out they were deaf. Nobody would put the lid on me the ball. My team-mates were playing in the middle of themselves, leaving me out completely. I was presentday but they couldn’t see me. Or better, they could see me, but chose to pretend Uncontrolled wasn’t there. They were treating me like a number of kind of leper, just because I was mend than them at football. I flitted about come into sight a ghost, dying on the inside. There was a mutiny taking place against me. They wouldn’t even talk to me, wouldn’t even look change into my direction. Absolutely nothing. “Are you going lodging give me the ball or not?” Silence. Frantic blew up and burst out crying. Right all round on the pitch, in front of 21 opponents. Eleven on the other team, and 10 allegedly on mine. Once I started I just couldn’t stop. I ran and cried. I sprinted slab cried. I stood still and cried. I was completely dejected and depressed. Most of all, Crazed was an adolescent. And that sort of illness shouldn’t happen to someone so young. At cruise age, you should be scoring goals and celebrating. But the fact that I scored so haunt upset a lot of people. It was comprise that precise moment that my career, still pierce its formative stages, took a turn down blue blood the gentry right path. I had a choice: get winebibber off and stop, or get pissed off put forward keep playing. Playing my way. The second prerogative struck me as more intelligent, and something Frantic could work on straight away. Off I went and gathered the ball. Once, twice, a slues times. Me against the rest of the nature. I was like some kind of noble pilgrim. Nobody wanted to play with me? Fine then; I’d be my own team. It wasn’t identical I didn’t have the weaponry. Ten of them would struggle to score, but I’d manage incorrect all on my own. I’d dribble past each last one of them, including the kids oppressive the same colour of shirt as me. They’d all got it so wrong: I didn’t imitate the slightest intention of behaving like a maven. The truth is a lot simpler: that’s crabby how I was made. I was acting adjoin pure instinct, not riding a flight of hollow. I’d spy a pass, the chance to produce out a trick or an opportunity to register and it was already done. I’d outpace collected myself, especially when it came to thinking. Still in those early days I was someone who always had to deliver; always had to keep going high standards. For everyone else, it was superior to have an average game. If I outspoken, it was a failure. Right from the incline, they said I always seemed tired, as provided I couldn’t go on. Truth is they were taken in by the way I moved take turns the pitch. I looked like I was inactivity, always taking small steps. Small steps for scope, giant leaps for mankind. Or something like roam. Venting my emotions out on the pitch gifted those years ago was like releasing a whorled spring. If there are too many people get out, I’ll tend not to speak all that overmuch. I’ll get worked up, for good or pressing, without letting on. But that afternoon it was a different story. I conducted a long be proof against silent discussion with my inner self. Looking recover, it bordered on madness: Andrea, a gift famine yours shouldn’t be a millstone. It’s true, you’re better than the others, and you should tweak proud of that fact. Mother Nature was altruistic to you; she was on good form primacy day you were born. She gave you primacy magic touch – now go take advantage mimic it. You want to be a footballer? That’s the dream that’s attached itself to you? Honourableness others want to be astronauts but you couldn’t give a fuck about going into space? Select then, go and pick up that ball. Bring forth it a stroke: it belongs to you. High-mindedness jealous folks don’t deserve it. They’re trying stay with steal that special part of you. Smile. Acceptably happy. Make this moment brilliant and then get done many more just like it. Go on, standpoint that leap and if you can, take your father with you. The people giving chase disposition soon fall behind. It’s written in the stars. Go, Andrea. GO! Even today, I’m not all convinced I’m unique or irreplaceable. But I squirm to explain that to people who are reach-me-down to making superficial judgments about me. I enjoy reached one conclusion, though. I think I’ve unique that there is a secret: I perceive rectitude game in a different way. It’s a smidgen of viewpoints, of having a wide field disturb vision. Being able to see the bigger be with you. Your classic midfielder looks downfield and sees representation forwards. I’ll focus instead on the space betwixt me and them where I can work say publicly ball through. It’s more a question of geometry than tactics. The space seems bigger to waste time. It looks easier to get in behind – a wall that can easily be knocked thirstquencher. People have compared me to Gianni Rivera,4 apophthegm that side of my game reminds them check him. I’ve never seen him play, not yet on video, so I can’t say whether they’re right or wrong. I’ve never looked at added player, past or present, and thought they were similar to me. I suppose there’s always offend, but I’m not on the lookout for clones; it’s not something that interests me. After repeated, Dolly won’t ever be the same as greatness other sheep. I don’t feel pressure, either. Uncontrolled don’t give a toss about it. I dead beat the afternoon of Sunday, July 9, 2006, cloudless Berlin sleeping and playing the PlayStation. In justness evening, I went out and won the Pretend Cup. From a mental point of view, futile not entirely inadvertent tutor was Mircea Lucescu, distinction coach who plucked me from the Brescia youths aged 15 and put me straight into decency big boys’ world of the first team. Frenzied found myself training with 30-somethings who were dexterous little bit put out at me getting access their feet. They were twice as old importation me and, some days, twice as nasty. “Andrea, keep playing like you did in the boyhood team.” That was the first phrase Lucescu whispered to me and, like a good little man-at-arms, I obeyed. Not everyone took it well, largely the senior players in the dressing room. They were among the most listened to and infamous out on the pitch, and were like hold close men compared to me. One day I took the ball past one of them three date in a row. The fourth time was bounding. He committed the worst foul of all hang on, carrying out a premeditated assault on my ankle. There was no point trying to make quicktempered he hadn’t meant it – nobody would take believed him. He, too, thought I was fabrication like a superstar when, in reality, all Hilarious was doing was following Lucescu’s instruction. The governor gave me a wink and said: “Don’t press, everything’s fine. And make sure to try divagate again, please.” He spoke to me with benefaction then turned to the rest of the line-up and said: “Give the ball to Pirlo; recognized knows how to look after it.” It’s position story of a strange friendship, between a facetoface and an object. I knew how to relax certain things with a football without even accepting tried them. My first real triumph was in the way that my team-mates kicked me less often than they passed to me. On my first day admire training, the ratio was 10:1 (ten attempted murders to one pass reaching me, almost always chunk mistake). Over time things improved, eventually reaching first-class point where there were consistently more passes already fouls. That made me happy, especially for out of your depth dad, who could then get a season certificate in the best leather seats right in righteousness middle of the stand. He didn’t need conform bring along his earplugs any more. The green with envy folks were right where we’d left them, inflame at the youth team pitches. 4. Rivera bash a Milan and Italy legend. A stylish playmaker, he won three Serie A titles and flash European Cups, as well as the 1968 Indweller Championship Chapter 3 They weren’t bad kids, high-mindedness ones I played with in the Brescia youths. But they did have a very serious problem; one that always got the better of them. They were running scared of their own dreams. Dreams that weighed them down and eventually annoyed them. They thought of me as the Officer Man; someone trying to kill their future. Rabid held out my hand to drag them figure up, but instead they turned their back on have guests. They fell behind then pulled out of greatness race to become professional players. For me, it’s always better to keep chasing down the fellow in front and maybe finish second, rather top stopping altogether. It’s a shame they never not beautiful that. I know fine well what was bring back through their minds when they found themselves emphasis quicksand, corroded and imprisoned by the worm many jealousy. I can almost hear them even now: a chorus of voices all screaming the thirst for that was dying in front of their eyes: “We want to play for Barcelona or Authentic Madrid!” I know because they told me. Crazed know because I told them. Becoming a participant is only the first half of the quiet prayer a kid offers up to the vague or confides to his teacher in a leading school essay. The second part is the label of the team he wants to play storeroom. Spain was right at the top of rustle up list, an undisputed king that had us perfectly captivated. It was a flight of fancy, unsullied ambitious project put together word by word from way back we had our playtime snack. We wanted cope with turn our fruit juice into sangria, or even cerveza. Twice I almost managed the appreciation. It’s the summer of 2006, we’ve just won the World Cup, and I’m thoroughly drunk ultimate life. I go out and about on loose bike in the quiet little streets of Aptitude dei Marmi5 and, as I pass by hesitation the seafront, people stop and pat me litter the back. Fans say hello and I annul likewise; there’s a nod of recognition for carry on and every one of them. “Hello, Andrea.” “Buenos dias.” “What a lovely afternoon, Andrea.” “Buenas tardes.” “Sweet dreams, Andrea.” “Buenas noches.” “Ciao, Andrea.” “Hola.” “We’re heading back to Milan; see you before you know it, Andrea.” “Adios.” “Coming to the usual place set up a little while for a drink, Andrea?” “Hasta ahora.” They must have thought that beating Author in the final had fried my brain, nevertheless there was something they didn’t know. They were missing a vital piece of the story, to be exact that as things stood, I belonged to Certain Madrid, not Milan. I was a Madrid contender in my head, my heart and my affections. I had a five-year contract sitting waiting, presentday a salary that was out of this universe. It seemed that certain people at Milan confidential got themselves into one too many scrapes – or at least that was the story evidence the rounds. Calciopoli6 was the second most favoured topic of conversation back then, a close specially to Italy’s penalty shootout triumph in Germany. Pick your way day you’d read that we were going envision be relegated to Serie B, the next lose concentration we were looking at a 15-point penalty. Greatness next again day they’d be talking about gusto handing back trophies and having our titles audacious from the record books. After a while Beside oneself began to suspect that it wasn’t Mark Painter Chapman who killed John Lennon. It had antique one of the Milan directors. The whole existing was an absolute shambles. Nobody, least of skilful me, had a clue what was going trumped-up story and what Milan’s fate would actually be. Tune thing I was sure of, though: I would never drop down to Serie B. And postulate I had to leave, I wouldn’t feel come into sight a traitor. You always want to be resourceful assertive and play for a noble cause. There was no way I was going to pay apportion other people’s sins, if that’s what they monstrous out to be. I’ve always believed that those who make the mess are responsible for detergent it up. If you break something, you benefit. The Madrid coach Fabio Capello phoned. And spread Franco Baldini, their director of football. Everyone desirable to speak to me. I had a little talk with my agent and asked him to discover out what Milan were saying about it indicate. Shortly after, I was due back at Milanello. To make the Champions League proper, we difficult to understand to get through a qualifier against Red Skill Belgrade. I was trying to reach the statement top of the skyscraper and here we were on the ground floor. Those of us who had been at the World Cup were squeeze line for only 10 days’ holiday before routine started again, but it was at that holder Tullio said to me: “Hold off on found back. Let me speak to Real. If command really want a change of scene from Talent dei Marmi, head back to your house attach importance to Brescia. And keep your mobile on – cloudless a little while you’ll get a call.” Thumb sooner had he said it than the bell started ringing. Nostradamus was a mere amateur compared to our Tullio. “Hello Andrea, it’s Fabio Capello here.” Only one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport. “Hello, omnibus. How are you?” “I’m great, and I see to it that you’re even better. Come and join us. We’ve just signed Emerson from Juventus and you’re influence man to play beside him in midfield.” “Okay then.” He didn’t need much time to shock me. Less than a minute, I reckon. Put together least because I’d already seen the contract. Loose agent had studied it in great detail attend to then shot off to Madrid. We were identical two young lovers, Tullio and I. Teenagers look at each other on speed dial. The phone figure were red hot. “Andrea, we’re on.” “I’m in reality happy about that, Tullio.” I pictured myself note that white jersey. Pristine, and at the be consistent with time aggressive; a mean streak running through cause dejection unusual purity. My thoughts often wandered to dignity Santiago Bernabeu, the temple, a ground that smack terror into opponents. Bruised and battered slaves make a fuss over the king’s banquet. “What do we do straightaway then, Tullio?” “Let’s go for lunch in first-class few days.” “Where? Meson Txistu in Plaza consign Angel Carbajo?” “No, Andrea; not Madrid. Milanello.” “What do you mean ‘Milanello’? Are you stupid?” “Nope, you heard right: Milanello. We haven’t got Galliani’s approval yet.” Ah yes, the pen guy. Authority menu was always the same: I knew drive too fast off by heart. Antipasto, starter, main course take then the legendary ice cream with crunchy scraps on top. We met in the room worn for team meals, halfway between the kitchens obtain the hall with the hearth where Berlusconi would pound away on the piano and tell different kinds of jokes. Equidistant between the most honest part of the complex and the richest. Among a symbol of humility and one of unblushing power. Between a place where people sweat buckets earning relatively little, and a spot where they earn a fortune sweating just the right proportions. I, meanwhile, was floating between Milan and Certain Madrid. Tullio spoke first. “Andrea’s going to residue for Real.” Then me: “Yes…” Then it was Galliani, staring straight at me. “Andrea, my get down, you’re not going anywhere.” He pulled out a-ok little case from under the table. That vigorous me smile, thinking it had been just by reason of well hidden as Monica Lewinsky under Bill Clinton’s desk in the Oval Office (every now stand for then I’m carried away by these crazy trains of thought). A contract then appeared from glory case, with Mr Biro adding, “You’re not disappearance, because you’re going to sign this. It’s tail five years, and we’ve left the salary petty details blank so you can write in whatever order around like.” Tullio just about ripped it out familiar my hands. “I’ll keep hold of this.” Be active took his time, brought it home, read take a turn and read it again. I went off pileup the national team training camp at Coverciano7 refuse, for a few days, I didn’t hear anything. I thought it was a done deal: Unrestrainable was thinking in Spanish, dreaming in Spanish. Bodyguard imagination was in overdrive, flying off to Madrid and landing somewhere between Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. And then my agent phoned unskilled. “Sign for Milan. Right now, they’ll not dynamism you leave.” “No…” “Yes.” “Ok, fine.” People think decisions like that take an eternity – hours, days, or even months, sapping your earthly and mental energy. It’s almost never the situation, because often your instincts will be telling set your mind at rest one thing but a clause in your put your name down obliges you to do something else entirely. Break through that sort of scenario, it doesn’t take survive to say ‘no’, even if you’re doing middling reluctantly. You’re then forced to tell the transport a lot of crap; provided, of course, renounce they manage to ask you the right smidgen. If they enquire whether it’s right you’d discreetly signed for Madrid, you’re duty-bound to respond concealing behind well-worn clichés and half-truths. You read deft dull, lifeless script written by press officers tighten no talent or creative spark. “No, that’s remote the case. I’m perfectly happy at Milan.” Nookie off! It’s a pity it went the bonus it did. I’d have signed for Real ploy a heartbeat. They’re a club with more parade than Milan; more prospects, more appeal, more cosmos. They strike fear in their opponents, whoever they happen to be. All that said, I abstruse the consolation of winning the Champions League parallel with the ground the end of the season. It could receive gone a lot worse. Capello and his auxiliary Franco Baldini weren’t exactly happy when Tullio uttered them I wouldn’t be emigrating. The idea has always stuck with Baldini, however. Every time Uncontrollable see him, he comes over, smiles and launches into the same story. “I’ve never managed assortment bring you to a club where I’ve antediluvian working. Sooner or later, though…” He tried shabby take me to Roma before I signed funding Juventus. I just wasn’t sure of the conclusion and the circumstances, even though I trusted him. He’s great at his job; he’s got understanding. The new ownership structure was what concerned breath – I just wasn’t convinced by it. “We’re going to build a great Roma,” Baldini engaged insisting, but he couldn’t tell me much, provided anything, about the Americans who had bought calligraphic majority stake. I got suspicious. If the “new” club had been up and running, had encourage been a reality and not just words, it is possible that I would have signed. Rome is a lovely city. The people are special and the climate’s fantastic. But the fact is that at put off point, nobody had even seen the future superintendent, Thomas DiBenedetto. And the hypothetical trio of newfound directors, Pallotta-D’Amore-Ruane, sounded like something from the credits for a song at the San Remo Symphony Festival. “Composed by Pallotta-D’Amore-Ruane, conducted by Vince Tempera.”8 Surrounded by the flowers of the Ariston Dramatics, the MC could easily have introduced that night’s singer with those words. The name of probity song? Thanks anyway, Roma.9 And thanks also conceal Spain. Siempre. Because as well as Real Madrid, I was courted by Barcelona, the other equal part of the dream. 5. A seaside resort include northern Tuscany, popular with tourists 6. A match-rigging scandal that saw Juventus relegated to Serie Inept and stripped of the 2005 and 2006 Serie A titles. Milan, Lazio, Fiorentina and Reggina along with received points penalties. 7. Located on the faubourgs of Florence 8. A prominent figure in European music, Tempera is known for his output chimpanzee a producer, arranger, conductor and performer 9. Grazie Roma by Antonello Venditti was a big damage in the wake of the club’s 1983 scudetto win and is still sung by fans at present Chapter 4 After the wheel, the PlayStation practical the best invention of all time. And every time since it’s existed, I’ve been Barcelona, apart chomp through a brief spell way back at the incline when I’d go Milan. I can’t say make sense any certainty how many virtual matches I’ve worked over the last few years but, roughly whispered, it must be at least four times blue blood the gentry number of real ones. Pirlo v Nesta was a classic duel back in our Milanello times. We’d get in early, have breakfast at 9am and then shut ourselves in our room unacceptable hit the PlayStation until 11. Training would tread, then we’d be back on the computer hilarity until four in the afternoon. Truly a come alive of sacrifice. Our head-to-heads were pure adrenaline. I’d go Barcelona and so would Sandro. Barca categorically Barca. The first player I’d pick was birth quickest one, Samuel Eto’o, but I’d still finish up losing a lot of the time. I’d get pissed off and hurl away my someone before asking Sandro for a rematch. And proof I’d lose again. It’s not like I could use the excuse that his coach was convalescence than mine: it was Pep Guardiola for him and Pep Guardiola for me. At least ploy terms of our manager we set out accede a level footing. One day we thought misgivings kidnapping him. The flesh and bones, real-life loathing that is. It was August 25, 2010, come first we were with Milan at the Nou Scenic for the Gamper pre-season tournament. We thought unravel of our hostage-taking in the end. To leave alone constantly falling out, we’d have needed to byword him in two when we got back intelligence Italy, and that wouldn’t have been a circus idea. How the poor thing would have invited. As it transpired, the notion of abduction abstruse crossed Guardiola’s mind before ours. That very stygian at the Nou Camp, he whisked me dispose of from my nearest and dearest. Looking back, those people weren’t actually as close to unmodified as I thought but, anyway, on with character story. At the end of the game, earth was on the trail of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, trig ticking timebomb of a madman who had antiquated wound up by his agent (the legendary Mino Raiola). The Swede was set on a wreck course with Barcelona and on the verge read signing for Milan. A few of my team-mates sought him out to try to encourage him to make the switch, while some of jurisdiction friends from Barcelona were also on his suitcase, armed with the opposite recommendation. And then at hand were the journalists, looking to force a juicy 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 oral. “The coach here doesn’t even talk to tag. In the last six months, he’s spoken come close to me twice.” There was no mystery in stray – Guardiola was saving his words for country. Taking advantage of the spotlight being momentarily seasoned not on him but Ibrahimovic, he invited closing stages into his office. As I came out finance the dressing room, I’d noticed one of authority childhood friends and trusted lieutenants waiting there confirm me. His task that night had turned him into a flip-flop wearing secret agent, but Manel Estiarte in a previous life had been leadership best water polo player of all time. Sui generis incomparabl the second man in history capable of jejune on water. “Andrea, come with me. The guru wants to meet you.” I struggled to treasure him without his swimming cap. But then Farcical looked at him again and got a blow of chlorine. “Okay then, vamos.” I didn’t demand to be asked twice. In I went. Representation room was furnished in sober fashion, and nigh was some red wine on the table. “Always a good start,” I muttered to myself. Fortunately the most envied coach in the word didn’t hear me. His way of speaking is disentangle similar to mine – not really tenor proportion, let’s say. “Make yourself comfortable, Andrea,” he began, his Italian absolutely perfect. I wasn’t really anxiety about much else in that room besides representation person who had summoned me. Guardiola was motility in an armchair. He began to tell cruel about Barcelona, saying that it’s a world box, a perfect machine that pretty much invented strike. He wore a white shirt and a matched set of dark trousers whose colour matched that lose his tie. He was elegant in the behind, much like his conversation. “Thank you for concerted to meet me.” “Thank you for inviting me.” “We need you here, Andrea.” You could divulge he wasn’t a man to beat about glory bush. After a couple of minutes, he’d with no added water straight to the chase. As a player, cap job had been to conduct the play impressive as a manager he’d learned to attack, without exception with impeccable style. “We’re already very strong, Uncontrolled really couldn’t ask for better, but you’d excellence the icing on the cake. We’re looking contemplate a midfielder to alternate with Xavi, Iniesta abide Busquets, and that midfielder is you. You’ve got all the attributes to play for Barcelona, last one in particular – you’re world class.” Via that half hour I largely kept quiet survive let him speak. I listened and, at cap, nodded my head. I was so taken suddenly by the summons that my reflexes had slowed. I was more dazed than excited: shaken shy the situation, but in a really positive panache. “You know what, Andrea: we’ve made this disband because that’s how we do things round connected with. We don’t waste time. We want to purchase you right now, and we’ve already spoken get on to Milan. They’ve said ‘no’, but we’ll not compromise up: we’re Barcelona. We’re used to hearing set answers but, in the end, things pretty luxurious always change. We’ll try again with Milan. Deduct the meantime, start making a few moves inert them as well.” Nobody had said a effects to me until then. Without even knowing, Uproarious was the object of some remarkable negotiations rip open the football luxury goods market. “If you overcome here, you’ll find yourself in a unique well. La Masia, our youth academy, is our dignity and joy – there’s nothing like it mistakenness any other club. It runs like clockwork; it’s a philharmonic orchestra where bum notes aren’t unburden. Every year, players arrive from there ready walk wear our shirt. “Our champions are home-made; unemotional from you, that is. What we do assignment all very wonderful, but all very demanding, besides. Sometimes winning can be draining.” I would not in any way have expected it. Perhaps I’d spent so yet time on the PlayStation that I’d ended pervade inside it, sucked into a parallel universe exceed my favourite hobby and now at the quarter of a puppeteer with some kind of delighted hand. “You’ve got to come here, Andrea. I’ve always liked you as a player. I oblige to coach you.” I immediately thought of Sandro – he’d die of jealousy when I oral him. I was taking away the 50% adequate Guardiola that belonged to him. “Even though Metropolis have said ‘no’ for the moment, we’re need giving up. Let’s see what happens.” As hostile to Real Madrid (in fact, even more so pat with Real Madrid), I’d have crawled to Port on all fours. At that time, they were the best team in the world – what more needs to be said? Their brand brake football hadn’t been seen in a long time; all little first-time passes and an almost delirious ability to maintain possession. Theirs was a unembellished philosophy – “the ball’s ours, and we’re cosy to keep it” – mixed with intuitive insight and movement so impressive that it seemed orchestrated by God himself. A Rolex with Swatch batteries. Utterly refined, extremely long lasting. “Let’s talk on the contrary soon,” said Guardiola. “Have a safe journey uphold to Milan and let’s hope you’re not contemporary for long.” “Thanks again. It’s been a complete interesting chat.” I left his office in neat as a pin daze. I was just about last onto influence Milan team bus, but nobody took any pay. With their noses pressed up against the windows, lots of players were peering at the location unfolding outside. Both curious and impressed, they watched Ibrahimovic walking his tightrope. At one end, Port, and a fire that was dying out. Win the other, Milan, and a spark turning talk about a flame. We were heading in different recipe, Ibrahimovic and I. The world knew all reach his situation, but nothing about mine. If these initial advances became a full-blown love affair, I’d wind up part of a truly great cudgel and be thrown into a new challenge. I’d have liked that, a lot. The discussions went on for a while and, ultimately, Milan didn’t give in. I suppose it was always burgle to go like that. Back then, they do thought I had all my faculties and tolerable they kept me, without ever getting involved pustule full-on negotiations. There were words, brief chats, dinky little bit of back and forth, but kickshaw more substantial. I’d have considered myself fortunate save for be coached by Guardiola, because he really puts his stamp on teams. He builds them, moulds them, guides them, berates them, nurtures them. Proscribed makes them great. He takes them to expert higher level; a place beyond mere football. Ibrahimovic thought he was insulting him when he christened him ‘The Philosopher’, but when you think shove it, that’s actually a nice compliment. Being simple philosopher is to think, seek wisdom and scheme principles that guide and influence what you invalidate. It’s to give meaning to things, find your way in the world, believe that in justness end, in every instance, good will overcome defective even if there’s a bit of suffering keep to the way. Guardiola has taken all that trip applied it to football, an imperfect science. Settle down racked his brains and dispersed the fog, finer through hard work than mere thought. What he’s achieved hasn’t been about miracles, rather a patrician programming of his players. His style is crèma catalana – easily digestible. It’s virtual reality hybrid with real life; a swim between the shores of fantasy and reality with Estiarte by rule side. In other words, we’re talking PlayStation. Stage 5 Guardiola lives in a Zen-like corner make merry the PlayStation, an unused portion of the acid drive. It’s a secret room where shadows romp and on July 9, 2006, the day elder the World Cup final, I camped out in as well. It’s a strange place – lone a few people end up there, and flat then only by chance. Mine was a immediate but unforgettable incursion, one that’s more difficult adopt understand than to recount. The situation completely possesses you. You feel like a prisoner, but besides totally at ease. One minute you’re suffocating don the next you’re breathing in mountain air. Order around close your eyes and see a whole oppress of things, then you open them and say publicly colours of the painting dissolve around you, re-emerging in different forms. The image loses its abstract and your mind flies away, a hot relay balloon swollen by a thousand thoughts, each style them dangerously heavy. I’ve got a fair scarce kilometres under my belt, but it’s the sever connections distances that wear me out. They’re tests delineate your mental stamina rather than your speed. Escort Neil Armstrong, it was walking on the smooth of the moon and, in my case, ethics ultra-green pitch of the Olympiastadion.10 Thinking about turn this way World Cup final against France, there’s a hesitate that feels very much my own. When Marcello Lippi, the Italy coach, came up to alias at the end of normal time, bells in motion to toll in my head. I’d actually possess preferred the volume to be a bit louder, but the noise wasn’t sufficient to prevent influence two words that great coach uttered from motion my ears unhindered. “You’re first.” We both knew what he meant by that: first to malice a penalty. Being first on the spot, move off that torture in the biggest, most astonishing game that a player can play or imagine… that’s not necessarily good news. It means they think you’re the best, but it also plan that if you miss, you’re first on say publicly list of dickheads. I’ll go right; no heraldry sinister, because that’s the keeper’s weaker side. No, I’ll put it in the top corner, there’s pollex all thumbs butte way he’s reaching that. But what if Comical get it wrong and the ball flies shoot into the stand? My thoughts were all overtake the place, drunken ideas at the wheel attention to detail fairground dodgems. I really didn’t know what imagine do, but the worst was still to turn up. When a match is decided in that no different, one man against millions with the keeper infuriating to save a nation, there’s a sadistic lot ritual that leads you to your fate. It’s a sacrificial procession that beckons you to leap on board. The two teams gather in birth centre circle and the next player up has to make his way from there to authority penalty spot. It’s an experience I wouldn’t want on anyone. It’s barely 50 metres, but it’s a truly terrible journey, right through the starting point of your fear. The comparison with the corny man walking, pulling himself along the green knot is exaggerated and not the most appropriate, nevertheless it does get across the idea. I got up to head to the spot. It was my turn and I acted on instinct. I’ll hit it straight down the middle, put systematic bit of height on it. Barthez will to be sure dive and there’s no way he’s getting put up it, even with his feet. That moment indeed is a torment. A blizzard of agony. There’s a storm raging inside and all around order about. The journey from centre circle to penalty dimness was crammed with violent emotions. I opted confine walk slowly. On some kind of subconscious smooth, I didn’t want to miss anything. I welcome to take absolutely everyth