Defender Mattia Caldara has claimed that he did not suffer from the pressure at AC Milan but rather was a victim of bad luck.
The defender recently returned from an 18-month long loan spell at Atalanta, where he failed to impress yet again. Therefore, despite him taking part in Milan’s pre-season, no one really expected him to remain.
Sure enough, Milan confirmed the departure of Caldara on their official website on Monday morning, confirming that he has joined Venezia on loan with an option to buy.
Caldara was officially unveiled by Venezia today at a press conference and he was asked several questions about his career up until this point, including his time at Milan, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews.
Mattia you have had a career that has brought you great goals but also a lot of suffering. Do you think this could be an opportunity to settle the bill with the bad luck of recent years?
“Surely when I heard from the coach and the Venezia club, there was an immediate unity of purpose and I will try to take advantage of all the opportunities to try to help the team and show what kind of player I am.”
Did you have a lot of offers from other clubs as well?
“Yes, I had many offers, but from the first talks with Mr. Zanetti and the management of Venezia I felt something different and I decided to choose Venezia.”
Have you trained with Milan up to now, and what is your physical condition?
“I’m fine, I trained in preparation with Milan and I’m fine, I’m here to give my best.”
You’ve had an unlucky career, given the last few years with a lot of injuries. Do you think there may also be your mistakes?
“Certainly there were also mistakes on my part, but clearly bad luck hit me a lot. I hope this year I can give my best.”
Do you think the pressure has influenced your career as you have also played in big clubs?
“In my opinion no. I just had a lot of bad luck with injuries but generally I don’t suffer from pressure, I played in three big clubs like Atalanta, Milan and Juve where I didn’t feel the pressure of the team.”
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Talented player, blighted by injury. Could have been the defensive player Milan have missed for a couple of seasons if he stayed fit. Deserves a chance, hope he does well with Venezia