Nicola Legrottaglie, a former Italian footballer known for his time at Juventus and Milan, reflects on his career and his transition into a managerial role in a recent interview. At 48 years old, Legrottaglie, who made 154 appearances for Juventus between 2003 and 2005, has taken significant strides from his days as a player to becoming a football executive.
Legrottaglie’s football journey initially blossomed during his time at Chievo, but he later rose to the limelight at Juventus. He recounts the summer of 2003, a pivotal moment when his agent summoned him to Turin to discuss a future with the ‘Old Lady.’ “I was at the beach when my agent invited me to rush to Turin. When I arrived, Moggi wanted to sign me immediately and swiftly organized a press conference. I was in flip-flops and shorts!”
The anecdote about his first-day presentation is one that has lingered in his memory and is emblematic of a relaxed beginning in a high-stake environment. However, it was not without its unique encounters and friendships that shaped his career. In particular, he recounts moments shared with Brazilian player Kakà, highlighting that they would sometimes spend evenings reading the Bible together. It was during these moments of camaraderie that his faith was cultivated.
“Dio è il primo motivatore e lo penso fin da quando facevo il chierichetto da bambino,” Legrottaglie shares, underscoring the role his beliefs played in his life and career. His faith has garnered attention, and he noted that during matches he was sometimes called “prete” by opponents trying to unsettle him, yet for the most part, he enjoyed profound respect from his teammates.
While reflecting on his time at Juventus, he expressed fondness for his teammates, especially the Uruguayan players like Montero, Zalayeta, and Olivera, with whom he shared memorable evenings. He comments, “I loved the evenings with the Uruguayans; they felt like home.” His recollections go on to portray the disciplined nature of Nedved, who at times would not join team outings, preferring to retire early for the night.
Legrottaglie currently stands at a crossroad in his sporting career, steering toward a managerial path. He shared, “After playing and coaching, I feel that my path is that of a manager. I enjoy being on the field, but I also like managing human resources.” His recent management role at Sampdoria has been described as formative, providing experiences that shape his aspirations moving forward.
Looking to the future, Legrottaglie hopes to return to the clubs where he once starred. He identifies Leonardo as a model for his aspirations, aiming to navigate complex managerial landscapes. “I would like to return to clubs where I was a protagonist on the pitch,” he stated. Apart from his professional goals, Legrottaglie expresses a desire to explore opportunities for missionary work in Africa. “Even if in reality Africa is everywhere around us, finding ways to create missions in our own cities is invaluable,” he said, showing a depth of purpose beyond football.
In addition to his love for the game and his aspirations for management, Legrottaglie enjoys being a family man. He proudly mentions his 10-year-old son, who competes in both football and tennis, sharing a family passion for sports.
As a former professional, Legrottaglie shares insights on contemporary players, offering advice from his experience. In jest, he alludes to the rhetorical wisdom of avoiding confrontations, particularly referencing Zlatan Ibrahimović: “If you're wise, you let Zlatan be.” This light-hearted acknowledgment adds nuance to the serious nature of a competitive sport.
Reflecting on his journey from player to manager, Nicola Legrottaglie emerges as a figure dedicated not only to sports but also to fostering relationships and values that transcend the football pitch. His story encapsulates the essence of personal growth, enduring faith, and a commitment to shaping future generations in both sport and life.
