Antonio Di Natale reflected on his happy years at Udinese, why he never joined Juventus and his thoughts on Italy coach Luciano Spalletti.
The former striker spent 12 years of his career with the Friulian side from 2004 to 2016, scoring 227 goals across 445 total appearances. He has scored the sixth most goals in Serie A history, netting 209 in the league for Udinese and Empoli.
A fan favourite and legendary figure in the modern Serie A landscape, Di Natale was endlessly linked to top clubs during his career, but he stayed loyal to Udinese until his retirement. He is currently working as the vice-president of Serie D side Orvietana.
Speaking to Tuttosport via Calciomercato.com, Di Natale first discussed why he decided not to join Juventus.
“I have always been very attached to the fans and the city. In Udine you live well, I grew up there as a man and as a footballer, and it’s where I built my family. In those years then the team was very strong, every season we fought for a place in Europe.
“The Pozzo family always treated me like a son. When there was the possibility of going to Juventus, the will of myself and the club was to continue together. And that’s what we did.”
He was also asked if he was ever temped by a move to Napoli, the city of his birth.
“Playing at Napoli isn’t easy, especially if you’re Neapolitan. You suffer more when things don’t go well. It’s a heavy shirt to wear for someone who was born and raised there. I preferred to be a fan.”
Finally, Di Natale gave his thoughts on Spalletti’s work at Napoli and move to the Italy national team.
“I knew he would win the title. He’s a great coach, he has eyes everywhere, he’s on the pitch 24 hours a day taking care of every single detail. Seeing him win at Napoli was special for me. Credit to him, the staff and the club, all together they did an exceptional job.
“He is the right choice for the national team. He has the ability to get into the players’ heads and always keep the tension high in the locker room. His strength is precisely this, with him the players are always on the ball.”
Legend