Great striker currently unattached, Francesco Caputo gave a long interview to Sports Radio. “This moment is strange: I started with Empoli, went through the retreat, then this choice came along with the club and now I wait and… I hope to return soon and we’ll see what happens in the next few days”.
Is there a goal you have set for yourself?
“If there was the opportunity I would like to stay in Serie A but I won’t leave anything behind. I’ve had two or three requests from Serie B, something is moving, but I want something that will give me the chance to be a protagonist. I don’t want to just vegetate”.
Looking back: what was the best experience in Serie A?
“The year at Sassuolo with De Zerbi, 21 goals, I also got into the national team where I scored. It was the best year, but then it doesn’t always go as you hope. I didn’t expect it to go like this at Empoli but I have broad shoulders and I’m looking ahead”.
Are you disappointed?
“I didn’t expect a situation like this but this is part of our world and our work. It’s the first time I’ve been a free agent, it’s never happened to me in twenty years but it was a choice… Forced. I was very sorry. But I’m looking forward and to the future. I want to play, if I don’t play… I get nervous. As a striker, only if I play do I score and I can give my all”.
Which big team could he have gone to?
“After Sassuolo I had a few important situations. Roma wanted me, then Sassuolo asked for a lot of money. I was close to Lazio a few years ago to be Immobile’s deputy”.
Many would like her back in Bari
“I get a lot of writing from fans from all over the world, even from clubs… Below the league. I’d like to finish at least in Serie B at certain levels, then we’ll see.”
He was talking about De Zerbi. Now he is one of the technicians of the moment
“I had Conte who believed in me, he made me understand the mentality of work and victory. Then De Zerbi wanted me and praised me in everything. His first call was ‘do you want to score 20 goals in Serie A? Come to Sassuolo’. I scored 21. This says it all about him. Then I had many other great coaches”.
And while we’re at it, Conte and his Napoli
“Let’s say that Inter have an extra gear at the moment in the championship but we must also pay attention to Juventus, they are on a great path, they have a coach like Motta who I like a lot. And then Napoli: I know Conte, he is a hammer… Then Milan, Roma, they have all strengthened. There will be time to see how the championship goes”.