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Francesco Camarda has admitted that he looks up to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and harbours the hopes of making the senior Italian national team.
Camarda’s rise to the top of Italian football continues at a fast pace. On loan with Lecce he scored his first Serie A goal, a last-minute leveller to earn a point against Bologna no less. Milan had taken the decision to send him there for a season to get more playing time, and so far the signs are positive.
The striker’s fantastic start to life as an Italy U21 international continues too. He got two goal contributions on Wednesday night against Montenegro, scoring a peach of a goal with his right foot. It means he has four goals (plus an assist) in four games for the Azzurrini.
Camarda gave a long interview to ‘Generazione Azzurra’ on Vivo Azzurro TV in which he spoke about his journey to where he is now, as well as his aspirations for the future. MilanNews relayed his words.
How did your love for football start?
“I started playing at four years old, in a team near my neighbourhood, Forese. When I think back and look at where I am now, it gives me motivation and pride. I owe and will owe everything to my family; they’ve made great sacrifices for me, like moving to Lecce this year.
“When I made my debut at San Siro for Milan against Fiorentina, my mother burst into tears, because it was as if she were on the pitch with me and had made my dream come true.”
You came through the youth national teams…
“I started in the Under-15s, my first call-up was against Slovenia, and I even scored. I immediately understood the importance of the Azzurri shirt; it was a wonderful feeling. I went up from the Under-16s with Zoratto, and then almost immediately moved up to the Under-17s with Coach Favo.
“We developed a great relationship, and we’re still in touch today. We won that wonderful European Championship. A fantastic climate of trust had been created between us and the staff, and it couldn’t have been any other way.
“Shortly after, I also played in the Under-19 European Championship with Coach Corradi, and we lost in the semifinals to Spain, a real shame because we could have gone all the way there too.”
The senior side next?
“I hope it can come one day, it’s everyone’s dream.”
What is it like being with the Under-21s now?
“We’re a very strong and united group. We get along really well together, and it shows on the pitch: when it comes to being serious, we’re serious, but off the pitch we’re like a family. The goals come thanks to the team and the coach: no striker can score if his teammates don’t put him in the position to do so.”
Do you feel yourself developing?
“When you’re on the pitch with older players, you have to build physical and mental strength. So far, I’ve always managed to adapt to the pace pretty well, but it’s one thing to do that when you’re 13 and playing with 15-year-olds.
“It’s another thing to do it now at 17 in Serie A against 30-year-olds. It takes a major effort to adapt to the tempo of the game.”
Is Ibrahimovic your idol?
“I’m so inspired by him, by what he experienced, by his career. He was one of the best in the world, he made football history. I also like boxing, as well as martial arts like MMA and kickboxing.”
Is it true you like cooking?
“I can say it’s a hobby of mine, especially making desserts and pastries.”
English (US) ·