The Italian still remembers it well and Verona it remained in his heart. After the 2 goals scored in the 6 months at Hellas which contributed to obtaining 4 vital points for survival last season, Adolfo Gaich he reached 10 goals for the season with the shirt of Rizespor. From Türkiye, El Tanque was told exclusively to CalcioHellas.it:
How is your present in Türkiye?
“All good here, I’m happy to have scored again. We have 6 games left to play and we can do well. I reached 10 goals, it’s my best season in Europe. I also found Ceccherini with whom I had the opportunity to exchange shirts and talk a bit. We remained on good terms.”
What memories do you have of Verona?
“They were an intense 6 months, in a country with a culture similar to that of Argentina: I tried to adapt quickly and experience the city. I really liked the Arena, as well as the area near the Adige and Lake Garda. I was happy to return to Italy after Benevento, Serie A had always been my dream. I carry the people of Verona and the club in my heart, although it was a short time I enjoyed the experience and having achieved the goal of salvation was nice.”
Here they remember her above all for the goal against Sassuolo…
“A network that helped save us. I remember Bentegodi’s scream well, even today if I think about it it brings back good memories. That moment and the connection with the people was something special.”
And the play-off with Spezia?
“I have many memories of that night. For us it was a liberation. When we returned to Verona, people were celebrating with yellow-blue smoke bombs in the center: it was incredible.”
Is there any anecdote you can tell us about your yellow-blue experience?
“When I arrived they made me sing a song on a chair as a welcome ritual. I decided to sing one dedicated to Maradona by an Argentine singer called Rodrigo. And then I remember that at the club dinner I donated to the foundation the boots with which I scored the goal on the club’s 120th birthday.”
Verona did not exercise redemption. Would he have wanted to stay?
“Yes, but sometimes negotiations don’t go as we would like. I returned to Russia, but I didn’t feel well and in the last few days of the transfer window I received this offer from Turkey. I wanted to play and score to feel important on the pitch again, so I think it was a good decision. I had also had some other requests from Italy, but there were no advanced negotiations.”
How do you see the current Verona?
“There are few of my teammates left, but I believe that good players have arrived who can score points in these last few days: let’s hope they can reach safety.”
A message to the Gialloblù fans?
“I thank them for the affection they gave me, I think I reciprocated it on and off the pitch when I met some of them. Verona will always have a special place in my heart and represents an important stage in my career.”
