On the eve of the first leg of the Champions League playoffs against Bodo/Glimt, Alessandro Bastoni chooses to speak out. The Inter defender addresses the issue that involved him after the last round and doesn't hide. "Human beings must have the right to make mistakes, but also the duty to acknowledge them. That's why I'm here."
Clear words, spoken at the press conference, signaling a clear assumption of responsibility. "I wanted to be here because there was much more discussion than I imagined. I waited a few days to review what happened, to understand the differences from the live event. I felt a bump on my arm, which I definitely exaggerated when I rewatched it. I'm here to take responsibility. But also for the attitude that followed."
Bastoni doesn't seek extenuating circumstances, but he rejects the idea that it will leave an indelible mark on his career. "I'll always be the same Bastoni. In over 300 games, I was involved in a similar incident just on Saturday. I've learned to handle it all; it'll be the same Bastoni." From a personal standpoint, he assures, the episode hasn't left any lasting effects. "I'm exposed and accustomed to the media pillory, as the president rightly called it. But I'm capable of handling it. Mentally, I'm very well; I'm not compromised, either mentally or physically."
The hardest burden to bear, however, wasn't the sporting one. "I feel sorry for my wife and daughter; she's faced bad wishes for her health or death threats that are unheard of." A passage that extends the discussion beyond the pitch and calls into question the climate surrounding football. "Just as I feel sorry for referee La Penna. For people who are less accustomed to being so exposed."
The Nerazzurri defender also claims a certain consistency of judgment regarding other European incidents. "The same thing happened in reverse when Liverpool was awarded a penalty: my trial against Wirtz wasn't held." And regarding the coach, he adds: "Chivu was consistent."
Now attention turns back to the pitch and the European match in Norway. "Now I'm really eager to get on the pitch." Bastoni intends to respond with his performances, leaving behind the controversy and personal attacks. Because, as he reiterated, "a human being has the right to make mistakes," but in modern football, mistakes often turn into public trials.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
I don't know if Bastoni's words were clear or not, but it seems he's taking responsibility. The thing is, football is always full of controversies and similar situations. Let's hope everything gets resolved.