We interviewed Mattia Porroa young youth football prospect, born in 2005 who played in the team this season Matera in Serie D. Represented by his agent Antonio Burdi, Mattia told anecdotes and experiences that involved him in these first years of his young career:
“Mattia Porro, midfielder born in 2005 for Matera. For you, first season in Serie D with a past also in the Lega pro with Turris. Tell us a little about yourself. I was born and raised in Reggio Emilia, I started getting my first kicks in the Aurora project and then moved on to the Sassuolo youth sector and I was there for 4 and a half years. In January of that year, however, I left because I was having little space and I arrived at Reggio where I played for a year and a half. There I showed off myself by playing with the older players in the role of left winger. Then my parents decided to move to Naples for work and I immediately started at a football school called “Massimo Perna”. I started playing straight away with the older players there for a year before the call to Turris. I immediately accept and go to Torre del Greco where another journey begins from the Under 16s up to the Primavera 3. Then the call to the first team also arrives, having the opportunity to train with the “grown-ups” for almost six months, an experience that I will carry with me forever. From there I started to understand a little what professionalism is. As soon as I finished the training camp with the first team I decided to go to Matera because it would have been the first amateur championship for me. It was the best decision because I understood what it means to play in front of so many people and learn to handle the pressure.”
“Important season with 24 appearances, 17 games as a starter and 7 as a substitute. How do you rate your vintage? I consider my season a great personal satisfaction because I didn’t expect in my first year among the adults to play so much and for this I also have to thank coach Luigi Panarelli above all for having had faith in me.”
“With Matera you came one step away from winning the playoffs, how have you found yourself since your arrival at this club and how is your relationship with your teammates and the staff? It’s a shame we missed the playoffs because we deserved it for everything we did in a year with so many difficulties. Despite everything we have always moved forward together. Since my arrival I have found a fantastic group and I especially have to thank the veterans for everything they have done for me during the year, for the advice they have helped me grow. I also thank the staff with the director and the president; a big family that I will always carry in my heart.”
“Since the beginning of your young career, who has helped you the most? I received the greatest help from my father who, despite many family difficulties, was always by my side and always pushed me to give my best.”
“During the season you played various roles in midfield, from central to the two flanks. What is your favorite role? What are, in your opinion, your best qualities? I have held various roles but in today’s football you have to be a flexible and always available player. If I really had to choose a role I would definitely choose the left wing because it has always been my strength. My main qualities are: ball control, speed, crossing and speed which I focus on a lot and it is also thanks to coach Panarelli that I have improved so much this year.”
“What relationship do you have with your agent Antonio Burdi? I have a wonderful relationship with Antonio, my agent. I owe a lot to him because he wanted me since I was in Turris. I thank him for choosing me as his player and I will always give my best to achieve the goals we talked about.”
“What is your idol? Dream? My idol is Neymar, I have been inspired by him since I was little. A little anecdote: before matches I watch videos of him. My secret dream is to become one of the best players in the world and win a World Cup which would be a dream. It’s difficult, I know, but nothing is impossible; you just need to always believe in it and really want it. Even if I don’t reach these goals, the important thing is to have given everything to try to achieve them without having any regrets.”
(Photo source: Sandro Veglia)
