Antonio Di Natale has explained why he changed his mind about retiring and outlined his personal goal targets in mind with Udinese.
The 36-year-old indicated midway through last season that he would hang up his boots this summer, but he is now set for preseason once more with the Zebrette.
“I no longer wanted to play,” Di Natale has told reporters this week on the matter.
“Then the Pozzo family, with whom I have a great relationship, the fans, my wife and my children have made me change my mind.
Antonio Di Natale has explained why he changed his mind about retiring and outlined his personal goal targets in mind with Udinese.
The 36-year-old indicated midway through last season that he would hang up his boots this summer, but he is now set for preseason once more with the Zebrette.
“I no longer wanted to play,” Di Natale has told reporters this week on the matter.
“Then the Pozzo family, with whom I have a great relationship, the fans, my wife and my children have made me change my mind.
“A week ago I spoke on the phone with the new Coach, asking me to return for the first day of preseason. I accepted this with enthusiasm, because I want to train and start well.
“My objectives? I would like to get to 205 Serie A goals alongside Roberto Baggio, as for me it would be an honour to be alongside a great champion like him in this unique classification.
“Recently I met with him and we spoke about this…
“I wish to reach 200 goals to make my dad happy, as at this moment he is not well.”
Di Natale, who currently sits on 193 goals in Serie A, also discussed Francesco Guidolin’s prospective candidacy for the Italy job.