Fabio Quagliarella “feels like I never left” Sampdoria, despite 10 years passing, and has a message for Milan goalkeeper Gigio Donnarumma.
The 33-year-old striker made a big impact at Sampdoria in 2006-07 and went through Udinese, Napoli, Juventus and Torino before returning to Marassi in January.
“It feels like I never left,” smiled Quagliagol on Mediaset Premium.
Fabio Quagliarella “feels like I never left” Sampdoria, despite 10 years passing, and has a message for Milan goalkeeper Gigio Donnarumma.
The 33-year-old striker made a big impact at Sampdoria in 2006-07 and went through Udinese, Napoli, Juventus and Torino before returning to Marassi in January.
“It feels like I never left,” smiled Quagliagol on Mediaset Premium.
“Even if the teammates have changed, my rapport with the side, the club and the fans remained intact. The best thing about Samp is that the fans make you feel loved, but at the same time give you enough space to work in a relaxed environment.
“They gave me a great help to start this experience on the right foot and I want to do well. Replacing a player like Eder who scored 12-13 goals isn’t easy, but I prefer to do my talking on the pitch.”
Sampdoria host Milan this evening and Quagliarella has a special message for teenage goalkeeper Donnarumma.
“We’re both from Castellammare and I am so happy when a lad from our town does well. It’ll be a pleasure to face off against him. I’ll speak to him in Neapolitan dialect and let him know I’m cheering him on.
“I don’t think he’ll be offended if I score against him, as he has a very long career ahead of him.”
Quagliarella is famous for spectacular goals, including overhead kicks and volleys from midfield.
“I like to score beautiful goals, to shoot from distance and be unpredictable. At times it works, at others it doesn’t, but I also work for my teammates.
“There has always been reciprocal respect with Vincenzo Montella and he wanted me a few years ago at Fiorentina. Now I am finally lucky enough to be trained by him and it’s up to me to repay him for that faith.
“Could I end my career at Sampdoria? I have another year on my contract, we’ll discuss it with the club to understand their intentions. What I can say for certain is that I’m very happy here, but it takes two to tango.
“I try never to be too definitive about things, because in my career I’ve changed club so many times I know it’s hard to have absolute certainty.
“I do still hope for a place with Italy at Euro 2016. Antonio Conte worked with me for three years and knows all my strengths and weaknesses. Obviously it’s his decision and I think he’s focusing on a younger group for the tournament, but I can still hope.”