Street Urchin of the World
When he was a ball boy for the great Napoli of Maradona, he dreamt of becoming a footballer. However, not even he would have imagined that one day he would raise the World Cup to the sky, as a captain, and bring joy to an entire nation. This is the story of a common dream of millions of children - but the fact is that Fabio Cannavaro, unlike so many others, made his dream come true...
From “U’ Biondo” (Hey Blondie) of the Rione Loggetta to the “Il Bello d’Italia” (the handsome of Italy): the metamorphosis of one of the many children of Naples transformed, in one splendid night in July, into a great captain of Italy, the World Champions. It has been quite a jump, but one which Fabio Cannavaro carries with the traditional Neapolitan serenity and joy. The Germany adventure was fun, big fun, but doing well with Real Madrid is already Cannavaro’s aim and the last objective for him to attain, that cup with the big ears which would seal a career.
Goal.com met him and we spoke about many different themes: from the last World Cup to his new life in Spain. Fabio did not pull back and he told us everything in detail, with one common denominator in his replies: the smile of the street urchin who knows that he has left his mark in history.
So Fabio, is the World Cup hangover over?
Yes of course, yes (he laughs). Let’s say that the World Cup has really been an exceptional thing, but we had the time to recover, also because we must look forward, considering that another important season has started. We cannot stop. The domestic leagues and Champions League have started -- new challenges to live with the right concentration. And also with the national team it’s already time to turn the page: there are the European qualifications, an appointment which is too important to underestimate it.
Which was the most exciting moment in Germany?
Probably, for all the anticipation which was created, the win against Germany in Dortmund. We wanted to show that we were a good team, that we play well and to remove the defensive tag.
And we also had to prove that we’re not pizza guys, right?
Exactly (he laughs), however we did give them two pizzas (he laughs). Jokes apart, we wanted to give a satisfaction to our fellow countrymen who are far from Italy and who were hoping in that win in a particular way.
Talking about the World Cup adventure, we found out that you were the jukebox of the Azzurri’s group, is that true?
No, it’s not true (he laughs). It’s only that my place in the coach was well localized: I was in the middle and I had the iPod, Materazzi bought the cases and so we created a bit of environment (he laughs).
But they told me that also in the dressing room you were the director of the orchestra…
When we won, we would always sing some chorus, some even in Neapolitan, but to be honest I don’t know where it started from (he laughs).
The sensations at the Circo Massimo?
Beautiful. Italy really went crazy and it was nice because there was a lot of people from all over the country. It really was a great emotion. Maybe it was only in that moment that we really realized the feat we had made.
Was it a small revenge for you?
Not much. I don’t really care what the people say because the judgments change quickly. In Germany I only thought about playing and winning. And a bit I think I succeeded (he laughs).
Let’s talk about the Piazza del Plebiscito and that feast which Naples gave you?
I must be honest, from the personal point of view that was really a big satisfaction. At the Circo Massimo I did expect all those people, because there was the entire squad and it was the first time after the World Cup win, but to pack the Piazza del Plebiscito is not simple. And then all those players for me and Ciro (Ferrara)... An indescribable emotion, really.
You’re also tied to Ferrara with a deep friendship and it could be noticed on the pitch in Berlin as soon as the match ended. Can you tell us the sensations and what you told each other in those moments?
As soon as the game ended we hugged each other and we repeated to one another that we had made it. We were happy and proud: this result repaid us of all the hard work we had done during these years. Even though later I told Ciro that the truth was that he had not done much, however he was great company (he laughs).
A curiosity, during the lottery of the penalties you remained motionless, without transpiring any emotion. What did you think in those moments? Did you fear that you would not make it?
No, never. I knew the morale and character strength of our group and I was convinced that in the end we would have won. I was sure, and in the end I was right.
Listen, now it’s time to turn the page: how was the first impact with your new Spanish adventure...
Very good, I was impressed. Real Madrid is a very big club and everything is perfect. Everything is cured in the minimum details, they are used to deal with great players and it shows. The structures are exceptional, nothing is left alone: an ideal environment to work in.
And do you like the city?
A lot, pity about the traffic, it’s really crazy; there are millions of cars (he laughs). Then I must say that you eat really well, I did not think so: surely, they don’t make the pasta like in Italy, but meat and fish are really good (he laughs).
Do you already have some restaurant to suggest to the tourists?
As soon as you arrive to Madrid, there’s this tradition to take the new ones in a very typical place, but there are many restaurants and in general you eat really well.
So you really have no problems? Everything perfect?
Well everything no, unfortunately. I still haven’t established myself definitively; I’m still looking for a house. Right now we live in a hotel and it’s not easy. Think about it, me, my wife and three children. Every morning you must organize yourself to take them to school, think about the mess (he laughs). Luckily for the children we have already found a school, an Italian one. I must say that from this point of view we were very lucky.
But is it true that in the Spanish football there is less tension?
Well, I did not see too much difference. Maybe it’s true in general, but not for those who play with Real. At Madrid there’s always a lot of expectation towards the squad and the players, and therefore there is a lot of tension. Maybe differently from Italy, during the week you live less the match. In the sense that for us we start thinking about the match already from Monday, instead in Spain the eve of the game is more relaxed, without obviously underestimating the encounter.
Did you have the opportunity to go out on the streets of Madrid? How do the fans behave themselves?
Well like everywhere else. They stop you, greet you, and ask for autographs and photos, normal things. Even though in reality it’s more the Italians who stop you, rather than the Spanish. The World Cup win was really something which shook us; I see it also in Madrid.
A particular episode which hit you?
I was surprised by the quantity of personalized shirts which are sold. As soon as I arrived in Madrid, I had to sign a lot; I got a corn to my finger with all the signatures I had to do… (he laughs). In Italy we are not so used to such things.
But is it true that the Spanish media dubbed you “Il Bello” (The Handsome)?
Yes, it’s true, in Italian (he laughs), But these are things which do not interest me, I hope to be loved for what I do on the pitch. These appreciations can please my mum, but personally they do not change my life (he laughs).
And your wife is happy with all of these attentions?
Even for her I think it’s indifferent, she got used to it. Maybe she’s happy too (he laughs).
Listen, let’s talk about less happy moments: What happened in Lyon? On the pitch it seemed like there was your stuntman…
Things which happen. In the span of a footballer’s career, it can happen to play a bad match and to me it happened during that occasion. It happens to all players to play badly every once in a while, even though I really played badly there (he laughs). But when you’re not fine from the physical point of view, you do pay something. It happens when you meet opponents who are not exceptional. Imagine when you play a great team like Lyon...
Now you can tell us: what did Capello tell you the day after the match in the individual meeting you had?
Nothing particular, the coach knows that if you’re not physically well you don’t give like you should. That’s all, but now it’s in the past.
Now in Madrid things are going better, what are the prospects for this season?
Yes, definitely better. We have a good team, with many champions, but the fundamental thing is that we are becoming a group. We still have highs and lows, but we are improving from match to match. I'm convinced that we shall do well this year -- it's just a matter of time.
And from your new team-mates, who surprised you mostly?
I must say Raul. He’s an exceptional lad and a very serious professional. Really an example for all.
From Captain Del Piero to Captain Raul: a similarity which they have?
Yes, they both have more or less the same character and are players with a similar story: first hailed then criticized, but who managed to come out of it greatly thanks to their moral strength.
And who impressed you off the pitch?
Beckham for his manners. One thinks that with all of the success he has, he is full of himself. Instead he is simple and humble: there’s no one time, for example, where he stops signing autographs: ten, hundred, thousand, it doesn’t matter, before he’s finished he does not move.
And the craziest?
Without doubt, Robinho (he laughs). He’s young and lives his life in the Brazilian way. He’s a leader, very funny.
Do you talk to your friends in Barcelona?
Yes we confront ourselves. We live similar experiences, it's inevitable. We talk to each other quite often to exchange opinions and I must say that we agree more or less on everything.
Do you follow the events of Italian football? What do you think?
Yes I follow them, even though from the hotel it’s difficult. Unfortunately I don’t have the satellite TV yet and I must use internet to inform myself.
And your Juve?
I always follow them with affection and I’m happy that things are going well. I’m convinced that the qualities of the players and the club will come out in the long run. They are lads used to fighting, from this point of view they're the number one.
Let’s clear the table from any misunderstandings: there was no possibility of remaining with Juve even in Serie B?
We spoke a lot about it with the club. If there wasn’t this difficult situation, I would have never left Turin. We were all very well, the club always gave me everything I needed, the fans are exceptional, but I had to make a choice and despite my 33 years of age, I was convinced that I could still play at high levels. It’s not a matter of abandoning the ship. The decision was a suffered one. Juve understood it and even in this occasion they proved special. I think it was the best decision for everyone.
Does it still hurt that Scudetto on the Inter shirt?
It’s useless denying it, it is annoying. Because that Scudetto, actually those Scudetti, we deserved them on the pitch and we feel they’re ours. No one can take them away from us.
