Aldo Serena, the renowned Italian striker known for his versatility on the pitch, is reflecting on his illustrious yet tumultuous career as he approaches his mid-60s. Having played for some of the biggest clubs including Inter, Milan, and Juventus, his path was paved with significant achievements and equally notable controversies.
Most famously, Serena recalls the 1990 World Cup semi-final against Argentina, where he missed a decisive penalty. "It created problems for me; I think I had a panic attack. My legs were rigid, breathing felt strange — the goalkeeper appeared as giant. I don't recall anything about the mistake, or what happened afterward: I experienced two days of blackout," Serena recounted, expressing the immense pressure he felt during such pivotal moments.
This incident remains etched as the worst period of his career. "I’ve forgiven myself, because to move on, you must close the door. Yet, it still lingers as the least favorable chapter for me: if I could return, I’d change the side I shot from," he admitted. The emotional weight of his mistakes still resurfaces almost three decades later, underscoring the mental challenges athletes often face.
Throughout his career, Serena also encountered several iconic figures, not all of whom provided warm memories. During conversations, he revealed two stark incidents with fellow players: Marco Van Basten and Carlo Ancelotti. After a dispute, Van Basten threw sand at him, and Ancelotti, known now for his coaching prowess at Real Madrid, once spat at Serena. “I never clarified things with Van Basten or Ancelotti. But Carlo complimented me after a friendly match during our days at Milan, extending his hand to me,” he added, showcasing the complex relationships forged and stained by the sport’s competitive nature.
Apart from rivalries, Serena expressed his admiration for legendary players, particularly Michel Platini, whom he admired for his skill. He described Platini as having everything he felt he lacked as a player. "I was infatuated with how he played; he embodied the qualities of the perfect footballer. There seemed to be no one else like Scirea — friendly, competitive, and respectful," Serena said, highlighting the camaraderie often overshadowed by competition.
Despite the glamorous facade of being on top of the football world, Serena candidly acknowledged the challenges of maintaining relationships amid the pressures of fame. "Being young, playing football, and having visibility makes it hard to hold down personal connections. I wasn’t exactly monastic," he shared, giving insight on the struggles athletes face with commitment and fidelity, referencing his high-profile relationship with Luisa Corna, which made headlines.
Serena’s career has undoubtedly made him a figure of interest, leading him to take up the role of sports commentator following his retirement. He continues to share his insights through Sky Sports, where his voice provides authority and perspective influenced by his rich past.
Reflecting on both the highs and lows of his life, Serena’s narrative acts as both inspiration and caution; the weight of expectations can lead to devastating personal challenges, yet it is also shaped by moments of celebration and achievement. His candidness about his flaws, relationships, and admiration for fellow players presents not just the tale of one man’s career, but continues to open the dialogue about mental health within sports, especially as young athletes navigate similar paths today.