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| | Montolivo must put country first |
Friday 4 July, 2008 |
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Fiorentina's Riccardo Montolivo is delighted at making Pierluigi Casiraghi’s Olympic squad, but regrets missing the start of the Viola’s campaign.
Talented midfielder Montolivo enjoyed a superb 2007-08 season and was an important figure in the Tuscans’ fourth-placed finish.
But the former Atalanta youngster suffered heartbreak as he was named in Roberto Donadoni’s provisional Euro 2008 squad only to be left behind as a reserve.
“I think it’s every athlete’s dream to participate in the Olympics and to represent their nation at the biggest event in sport,” Montolivo declared.
However, Fiorentina’s Champions League preliminary ties will take place while Montolivo is in China.
“There is a little regret that there is a clash between the two events,” he admitted.
“I am really disappointed to desert my team at this time just before the start of the season and the first big Champions League test.
“However, this is an unrepeatable chance and I am honoured to have the chance to represent not only Italy but also Fiorentina and Florence when I go to China.”
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Casiraghi chooses Olympians
Pierluigi Casiraghi has chosen his provisional squad for the Olympic Games in Beijing next month. More |
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