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Cristiano Lucarelli: The travelling hitman
Cristiano Lucarelli shocked the world of calcio by joining Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk last summer. Before his January switch to Parma, Lorenzo Zacchetti spoke with the burly hitman about life away from the peninsula
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This is not the first time Cristiano Lucarelli has taken his goals across the border. In 1998-99 he played for Valencia, but there are only minimal differences between Italy and Spain – Ukraine is a whole other world. The Shakhtar Donetsk hitman tells us all about the difficulties that a 31-year-old man encounters in changing his lifestyle after giving up his hero status in Livorno.
How hard was it to leave Italy?
More than just the peninsula, it was hard for me to leave Livorno. Aside from the fact that I am an Amaranto fan, I am from there like all of my family and, after four truly intense years, I was convinced that would be the final step in my career.
If the crowd had not protested against you in that draw with Reggina last year, would you have stayed?
That was the final straw. In the previous years I had overcome any difficulty, controversy and problems because I knew I had the people of Livorno behind me. When I realised that the fans, even if just a part of them, had turned their backs on me then I decided to leave.
How did one of the best strikers in Italy end up in Ukraine?
Because nobody in Italy wanted me!
There was talk Sampdoria were very interested…
It’s true, Samp wanted me, but not on Aldo Spinelli’s conditions. They were not willing to spend more than a couple of million pounds and Spinelli, who had the contract clause behind him, didn’t want to budge.
Weren’t you a Blucerchiati fan when you were young?
No, that story has been going round for years because as a young boy I exchanged my bicycle for a Sampdoria jersey, but that was only because I had never owned a football shirt before that moment. As a child I supported Inter.
And the Nerazzurri also seemed close to signing you. What happened?
Nothing. President Massimo Moratti said on several occasions that he would have liked me at Inter, but then he never really came forward with any real proposals. There were just words, but nothing concrete. Then the Shakhtar opportunity came up, the only club that really wanted me, and so here I am in Donetsk.
Was it tough to get used to a city so different from Livorno?
If I told you I’m already accustomed to it, I’d be lying. The main problem is that I am alone. I would have liked to bring my family with me, but unfortunately there are no international schools here which my children could attend. So they all stayed in Livorno and obviously I really miss them. After spending four years in my hometown, it is not easy to be so far away from friends and family. I am still struggling to settle in. Thankfully there are two Italian fitness Coaches and Mircea Lucescu speaks the language. There are also a few Italian restaurants where I can eat the food I like. The diet here is a little strange…
For example?
The thing that most shocked me when I arrived was the caviar for breakfast! It is clear I have no intention of getting used to this tradition, so I make do with biscuits I brought from Italy.
Since moving abroad, does the Nazionale have a different meaning for you?
I’d say so, even if my greatest satisfaction was representing the Azzurri whilst playing for a mid-table club like Livorno. It is clear that I intend to consolidate my position in the team with Shakhtar, but I want to point out I got there almost exclusively through what I did with the Tuscan outfit.
In a curious coincidence, you are in competition for a place at Euro 2008 with another Italian abroad, Luca Toni.
In all honesty, I don’t feel in competition with Luca. We only get called to the Nazionale a few times a year, so the competition is less intense than at club level. From my point of view, it is great just to be a part of the squad.
What are the objectives for Shakhtar this season?
We believe we can get past the group phase of the Champions League. Apart from Milan, who are the strongest team, we can easily challenge Benfica and Celtic. Reaching the knockout rounds would be an exceptional thing for a club which intends to grow. In the long term, Shakhtar want to be a regular fixture in the Champions League, but we have to get there gradually. In any case, we got off to a good start with the President investing £100m in the squad.
You began well too, scoring on your Champions League debut.
I netted in both the preliminary round against Red Bull Salzburg and then the first game of the group phase with Celtic. They signed me to score and I am only doing my duty. I hope to continue like this as long as possible. I have to say my Champions League debut really was an emotional moment. It is a competition with a unique aura and to hear the anthem on the field rather than on television really gives you goosebumps.
Celtic have an Italian, Massimo Donati, in their squad. Did you compare experiences?
Yes, certainly. It is normal that two colleagues and countrymen who are going through similar career paths would exchange views. Massimo said he’s very happy in Glasgow and with his choice. I too, considering just football matters, am happy here, because the club is very well organised and there is everything needed to do well. The problems I am having are really just homesickness.
Who do you think will win the Champions League?
This is a very tough question, as the Champions League is not an exact science. The favourites are the usual suspects – Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona and then the English clubs. It’s far easier to guess who will win Serie A. I am convinced it is Roma’s year, as they play fantastic football.
Do you have a prediction for the Ballon d’Or?
Kaka is the absolute favourite, both for winning the Champions League with Milan and as he is part of the Brazil squad, which puts him right in the public’s eye. It may not necessarily be right, but I think he’ll win it. If it was up to me, I’d give it to Paolo Maldini for everything he has done in his career and also for the kind of person he is. He’d really deserve it.
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| Interviewed: November 2007 |
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