Thiago Motta says pessimism ahead of Euro 2016 is a good thing, and claims the Azzurri's 'team spirit' will see them through.
The 33-year-old is remembered bitterly in Italy for coming on during Italy's Euro 2012 final against Spain, only to limp off with an injury minutes later, at a time when the Coach had used up all three of his substitutions.
Thiago Motta says pessimism ahead of Euro 2016 is a good thing, and claims the Azzurri's 'team spirit' will see them through.
The 33-year-old is remembered bitterly in Italy for coming on during Italy's Euro 2012 final against Spain, only to limp off with an injury minutes later, at a time when the Coach had used up all three of his substitutions.
“I'm in a good condition this time, a couple of days' rest and I'll be ready for the final call-up for Euro 2016,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport, as the publication pointed out that the Italian Press and public haven't always been kind to him.
“But I'll still do it, out of passion for football, and for the privilege of wearing the Azzurri colours for another Euro tournament. Besides, I'd be playing practically at home.
“Being criticised is part of the job, but I'd like for there to be greater coherence. I smile when people accuse me of being slow, because I've never been otherwise. I've got other talents.
“People say I pass the ball sideways too much? In the year of Inter's triplete, [Jose] Mourinho took me aside during the first derby and told me: 'we're not at Barcelona, go for the long balls'.
“We won 4-0 and I adapted myself, even though it wasn't my style of football. I do wish [PSG Coach Laurent] Blanc could share with the public what he is asking of the players.”
There appears to be a sense of gloom around the Azzurri prior to Euro 2016, as Coach Antonio Conte has lost much of the public's favour and several of the key players have been lost to injury.
“All for the better if people are pessimistic. Whatever we do on top of expectations will be a plus. It's the other way round at PSG, where there is a tremendous hype and people consider you a failure if you win four trophies out of five and don't make it past the Champions League quarter-finals.
“It's understandable that fans aren't optimistic after the last World Cup, but this Italy has a strong team spirit. If we can stay humble, we'll go far.
“In Brazil we lacked unity. We all made mistakes and some players thought about themselves too much. A player like [Mario] Balotelli becomes important only if he's willing to play for the team. This is football, not tennis.
“This Italy squad has a clear mind and everybody plays for their comrades. I'm faithful.”
Finally, Motta discussed Marco Verratti's injury and his own plans for the future.
“I'm sorry for Marco, he lost half the season and the Euros. Maybe the situation could have been handled better. It's everyone's loss, his own, PSG's and the Azzurri's.
“As for my future, I'll think about it. If I'm in a good condition, I'll keep playing, at PSG or elsewhere. Or else I'll study to be a Coach. It's an option that inspires me, so at the very least I have to give it a try.
“I'd love to do it here and help in PSG's development. I'm confident that I can do it and I know what the president and the fans want: a team that is faithful to their philosophy of aggressive football.”