Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco says Azzurri Coach Antonio Conte 'made no promises', while adding: 'Never thought I'd have this impact on MLS'.
The Atomic Ant made headlines in North America for his astonishing goal against the New York Red Bulls, which was all the more remarkable as the player had represented Italy against Norway only 24 hours before.
Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco says Azzurri Coach Antonio Conte 'made no promises', while adding: 'Never thought I'd have this impact on MLS'.
The Atomic Ant made headlines in North America for his astonishing goal against the New York Red Bulls, which was all the more remarkable as the player had represented Italy against Norway only 24 hours before.
“I wasn't tired. I left Rome at noon, they came to pick me up and took me to the stadium,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Thank God I'd slept on the plane!
“I absolutely wanted to play. I gave the Coach my full availability.
“Hard to say if that was my best goal, it depends on the situation. But I saw it on TV and it was very good indeed.
“And it's heavy too, as it will take the club to the playoffs.
“My goal celebration? It's a gesture called 'stirring the pot'. The Blue Jays in baseball do that when they make some heavy points.
“Winning MLS? It's hard, because we're really young… but that's also the reason why we can do anything. And we become very dangerous when we play at home.
“I was hoping to do well in this league, but even I didn't expect I'd have such an impact here."
The 27-year-old then discussed his past experiences in Serie A and Juventus.
“My time on the bench in Italy doesn't interest me. I'm so happy here that I no longer think about what happened in the past.
“Unfortunately that's how things went. My path evidently had to pass by here. Close one door, open one gate.
“But the national team was pretty hard to reclaim. It's proof that the Coach [Antonio Conte] watches everyone.
“Besides, it's fundamental to be ready. He didn't make me any promises, that's not his style.”
Finally, Giovinco discussed the rumours of an interest by Barcelona.
“I read about that, but I'm happy where I am. My only project in January is to go on holiday, I haven't done that in a year and a half.”