Alberto Gilardino says Palermo 'absolutely must avoid relegation', whilst opening to a future as a Fiorentina director.
The World Cup-winning striker was in Florence for the opening of a new restaurant called Fashion Foodballer, which he invested in together with Luciano Spalletti and Dario Dainelli.
As he presented the restaurant, he also made some statements on Palermo's season and their campaign to avoid relegation.
Alberto Gilardino says Palermo 'absolutely must avoid relegation', whilst opening to a future as a Fiorentina director.
The World Cup-winning striker was in Florence for the opening of a new restaurant called Fashion Foodballer, which he invested in together with Luciano Spalletti and Dario Dainelli.
As he presented the restaurant, he also made some statements on Palermo's season and their campaign to avoid relegation.
“We absolutely have to make it, for the fans and for the city of Palermo,” he said, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio. “It wasn't an easy season, but they were invariably by our side and they always helped us.
“We always gave our best even in extreme difficulty. Now we'll be playing eight finals.”
Gilardino then discussed his old team Fiorentina and their campaign for third place.
“They played an extraordinary season. It's understandable that there will be some moments when the team doesn't perform as well.
“They have quality players and it won't take long to return to their levels. Their Coach is strong and he's a winner, and he has a team built for his purposes.
“[Federico] Bernardeschi and [Khouma] Babacar? I'm happy for Federico and also for [Davide] Astori, they deserved their Azzurri call-up.
“'Berna' is a youngster of great quality, Fiorentina must hold on tight to him because he has a great future.
“The next Italy Coach? I don't know. [Antonio] Conte has done a great job so far and he'll keep that up.
“The Della Valle family? They have too much love for the city and the Viola colours to ever leave Fiorentina.”
Gilardino also discussed his own possible future in Florence.
“I could return to live here one day, I'd like that. Me as a Viola director? You never know, football is so fast and so intense.
“I still have a tremendous drive to play and score though. When I won't be able to do these things, then I'll take a step back.”