Interview with Gabriele Perico

I had the pleasure of interviewing Gabriele Perico who is a professional player who currently plays in a non-league team called Virtus Bergamo Alzano Seriate 1909.

What was your first football memory?

“My first memory related to football. It has to be playing in the oratory with my schoolmates. We would meet up in the afternoon to have fun playing until it got dark outside. For young boys playing for their town club meant everything and it was a proud moment for me that pushed me to continue this path in the world of football”

Your father also played football professionally, could you talk about your relationship with him and how he helped you with your career.

“I did not have the pleasure to see him play because I was 3 years old when he retired from the sport. I have to admit my father was good at not trying to influence my decisions. I played 6 seasons in the Serie A with Cagliari and Cesena. in those 6 years my father kept his distance and that to me was great because youngsters who have fathers who were players often get pressure fro them to be better. my father wasn’t like that but instead he let me make my mistake, he allowed me to grow into the player and man I am today.

What do you think this team needs to fight for the league title?

“For a team to be successful all the components must row on the same side from the players, staff, boardroom and most importantly the fans. You take all these components and add a little bit of luck like for example small episodes within games like last minute goals or penalties given at the very last seconds of the game. Those moments could easily turn around your season and make you the frontrunner.”

Growing up who was your football idol? Who inspired to you to become a football player?

“Growing up I did not really have one favourite player but whenever I used to see AC Milan matches on the TV, Paolo Maldini always caught my eyes with his playing style. Nowadays I study the best players who play in my role, I do this by watching films and study their movements for hours to see what I can take from their game and implement that on my own game.”

What do you see yourself doing after a career in football?

“How do I see myself after football? I see myself at home, looking for stability. My dream is to do a job that I am passionate about. I am currently participating in beer testing course, I would definitely like to take on the beer industry, maybe open a pub or brewery, it still early on as I don’t have clear ideas yet however this is something I am looking forward to deal with when I hang my boots.”