Inter midfielder Roberto Gagliardini has spoken on the massive impact that the global Coronavirus pandemic has had on his birthplace, Bergamo.
“So many friends and friends of my friends are mourning their loved ones and it’s terrible to think that in those coffins there may be some grandparents or a relative of a person I know,” he began the interview which appeared in today’s print edition of Tuttosport.
“Nobody in my family has been affected by the virus and this at least gives me a little serenity.
“I have not been able to give myself any answers about the whole situation, I am fatalistic. It is up to us to sort things, but we are stubborn, we have a work culture that unites us all and we will be able to overcome this battle too.
“I’m not saying it’s distressing when the phone rings, but there is certainly some concern. It couldn’t be otherwise, when you hear what’s going on around you.”
The Italian midfielder remains in Milan at the moment and went on to discuss how it feels to not be back at home.
“All is still, motionless, it is unbelievable. The noise of the ambulances passing by, however, makes us understand that we are living a unique moment in history. Strong but fair decisions have been made.”
Next he was asked if he is confident that the season will resume after the European Championship’s were moved from this Summer to next Summer.
“I don’t think it’s time to talk about European Championship’s or the national team yet. We are in a delicate period. Many put their lives at risk only by working and talking about everything else must be put aside.”
He then spoke on how it felt to play the Derby D’Italia against arch rivals Juventus earlier on this month behind closed doors at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
“Playing without the fans is a particular feeling but it is now in the past. Now we have to think about getting out of this situation and to commit yourself to others by doing charity.
“I decided to help the Papa Giovanni Hospital in Bergamo because I know what conditions they are forced to work in and because I have so many friends there. The sum of money is not important, but a gesture is enough.”
Gagliardini proceeded to share what he thinks will be the lasting effects of the pandemic, which has sadly claimed the lives of over 10,000 Italians to date.
“When everything is overcome, the vision on many things will change and perhaps even relations between people who do not know each other will be better.
“The spirit of solidarity that is animating the Italians in these days will have to continue even when the emergency is over.
“Things will have to be analysed and it will have to be understood if there were errors and what can be done to prevent another pandemic from breaking out.”
The 25-year-old joined Inter in the January transfer window during the 2016/17 season on loan from Atalanta and joined the club permanently that Summer. He has since went on to represent the club 88 times in which he has scored nine goals and tallied three assists.
