Date: December 12, 2005
Source: unknown
Translated by: Franca


An interview with Batistuta

Batistuta has a change of job, the previous one went not so bad and gave him the opportunity to be the businessman without any government help: meal trader in Argentina, designer in Firenze, golf player in Australia. After the soccer there were a lot of things. But how is Bati? Any nostalgia?? He risked not to be able to walk again due to his ankles which were fragile from over use and - someone said - from the anti-pain injections he received!!!

"Too many questions" replied Bati who left Firenze (yesterday) for Reconquista.

Let us begin with the ankles: a complicated operation?
"Yes, but it was really necessary without it I wouldn't be able to walk as before"

And now how are you?
"Better, thanks. For the last 2 months I’ve been training 8 hours per day, I’ll continue so till February. No one gave me the guarantee that all will be perfect but up until now it’s looking good. I must thank a few people"

Who?
"Professor Cerulli who operated on me, Stefano Fiori from the Prosperius who followed me and an orthopeadic from Viareggio, Michele Gimignani. Very precious friends, they helped me to recover... now the rest depends on me".

The date of your last match has to be decided. Will you play it in Firenze ?
"I'd like to. But I'm not sure it'll take place"

Have you changed your mind ?
"Not at all, but we must see how and, more important, if I'll be able to reach a good condition. If it'll take place good... but it's not so important".

Have you any nostalgia about the soccer world?
"Not at all... I like the life I have now"

Some more precisions
"I'm free, I decide, I choose, I can manage my time. I'm interested in other things, in January I'll present my "clothes" line, the "G and B".

Batistuta designer? Where did you find your inspiration?
"No I'm not the designer... better to say the businessman. I've got a designer, I've only given suggestions. Those, yes!!! And they are very accurate because I'd like to reflect my personality in the clothes".

Will you compete with Vieri and Brocchi?
"I've chosen the "smart" "elegant" sports wear, jackets, trousers. The prices? Various, a bit of everything. They are something that you'll wear for years, I won't sell t-shirts"

You'll be obliged to take part in some events... a torture for someone like you?
"I'll have to be present at several receptions and parties, for example the 11th of January for the festivity before the opening of Pitti.

But what is the dream of Batistuta?
"I've realized the previous one...I've wanted to play football".

And the new one?
"I'd like to keep the unity among my family, for my sons to grow up well, I want them to be at peace with themselves and with others… something very important when you see the world situation. And I also want to comeback to live in Firenze, but this is a part of my program.

When?
"I've already bought a house, the work has begun but it'll take more than a year.

One last question about Fiorentina.
"I was waiting for it!!! I'd like to see them winning. But this was an interview, I've loved it, don't speak about soccer".

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