PRESS ROOM | Zappa’s words to the media

Gabriele Zappa held a press conference at the Rossoblù retreat in Ponte di Legno, following his morning training session on Friday, July 24th.

A LONG ROSSOBLÙ HISTORY
“For me it will be the seventh season in Cagliari. I’m excited and I couldn’t wait to start again. Last year I played less, but I was only focused on being ready when called upon. The choices made have brought results and I have always put the team before myself. I want to give my contribution and help the group in every way, this year I was particularly excited and eager to start again compared to previous seasons in which perhaps I ended up a little tired, certainly having had less playing time in the second part of season had an impact on this.”

A VETERAN ROLE
“Compared to six seasons ago I have changed a lot, both as a footballer and from a human point of view. As you grow up you think differently. Today, together with Caprile and Deiola, we want to be a point of reference for the younger ones, above all in respecting the rules and values of the group. When a new boy arrives I always try to make him feel at home and at ease: I am available for any advice. I see all the new ones very well. Kingstone, apart from the goal he “save” me in the trip with the Under 20 team (laughs) benefited greatly from the experience he had abroad, in which he performed well. I was also impressed by Di Paolo and Romano, while I certainly don’t have to discover Winks: do we all know his value. I have a bit of difficulty with him because I have to speak in English (he jokes).

THE RELATIONSHIP WITH PISACANE AND THE FLEXIBILITY
“We spoke with the Coach many times. Last year there was Palestra, a player who demonstrated that he belonged to a very high level and who pushed a lot on the flank. In that context the Coach needed a player who was born as a central defender like Zé Pedro on the centre-right, while I was born more as a winger. This year I think I can play for my place with Zé Pedro. In general I consider myself a flexible player: if the coach told me to put on my gloves and go to the door, I would also. I can play even more advanced. Pisacane is very obsessive about details and has very specific requests: the more we follow him, the better it is for everyone.”

THE FUTURE AND MARKET RULES
“I often read the news directly in the newspapers. At the moment there is nothing concrete. In January the interests of Fiorentina and Napoli were real, but I am happy to have stayed because I feel good here and I am happy to wear this shirt, over time I have understood what Cagliari means to the fans, and what it means to wear these colors representing a people”.

PAVOLETTI’S LEGACY
“Pavoletti has left us deeply saddened after the years we spent together. Already last season, he told us that soon it would be our turn to represent these colors in the best possible way. We want to be an example for the younger ones. Today, I feel like an adopted Cagliari native: in the early years, perhaps I didn’t fully appreciate the importance of this jersey, but then I fell in love with our fans and understood the sacrifices they make every time to support us. I also want to thank Dr. Scorcu, just as I did with Pavoletti. At the end of last season, Leonardo gave me a T-shirt with the slogan ‘I met you as a boy and I leave you as a man.’ It touched me deeply. He was like a big brother to me; he gave us so much, and of course we miss him. In the locker room, he knew how to alternate between the carrot and the stick, and he was crucial for all of us. I believe Deiola and I should also honor him by upholding certain values. And Dr. Scorcu always had a story to tell; I thank him and remember him with respect and affection.”

A NEW POSITION IN THE FIELD?
“Maybe as the years go by, when my body requires and allows less running, I will be able to play permanently as a central defender. Today, however, I still feel young and I continue to see myself above all as a wing player.”