You thought one day play Europe ?
“No. But when I had a good season at Thes and I returned to the professional world by signing FC Liège, I still told myself that there were possibilities to replay in a big club. But from there to say that it would be Anderlecht … For me, it’s unthinkable to refuse Sporting.”
When you talk about your birthday: Have you ever had Madame gifts?
“No. I asked to wait until Friday, so that I can focus on the match.”
You can tell us more about Your marriage by alderman Silvio Proto ?
“Normally, he was not in the town that day. But when he learned that it was me, he did everything to be there. He is one of the people who helped me choose Anderlecht. Louis Patris, my friend in Saint-Trond, also gave me advice.”
Anderlecht in Europe? I remember a 3-3 at Arsenal, but for the rest … no.
Do you follow European matches from Anderlecht as a kid?
“I’m going to be very honest with you: I preferred to look at the Premier League that Belgian football. And my favorite club was AC Milan. But I remember a 3-3 at Arsenal after being led 3-0. That’s it, huh?”
Correct. Will your family be here?
“No. They would have liked – in Belgium, my parents were doing 2:30 am to see my games with Thes Sport. But there, they have just returned from vacation, they no longer knew how to leave. They will surely follow the match on Mauve TV, I spun the codes of the account I bought.”
Bought ?
“I had not yet signed in Anderlecht and I absolutely wanted to see the match against Häcken.”
Have other clubs tried to transfer you?
“A few days before signing in Anderlecht, an English club – I don’t even know which – called my agent. They asked if they could talk to me in videoconference. I refused. Anderlecht had priority from the start.”
However, you played for the other three major clubs in the country in young people – Standard, Club Bruges and Genk – but not in Anderlecht.
“There was once a contact with Anderlecht, but never of offer. Remember that I started in Charleroi. It was in Genk that I stayed the longest : seven years. But as I said before: I was a shitty kid. My parents were summoned a few times. An example: an assistant coach made me a remark that I didn’t like during training and I left the field. I always wanted to be right, I didn’t want to listen to adults. Maybe it was my Italian blood (laughs).”
Today you are an example.
“I learned a lot in Austria, where I played with older players. I try to bring my positivism to the group. This is something that I did well in the clubs where I went.”
Dolberg is more reserved than you.
“Yes, but we get along well. In match, he gives me advice. He has experience of Champions League, it helps. Before his Sunday penalty, I wanted him good luck. And when I missed a check, he told me that it was not serious. I hope he will stay.”
The comparison with Vardy holds up. Except for the Brère, the Red Bull and the electronic bracelet.
We compared you to Inzaghi but also to Jamie Vardy.
“Me, I have always had Inzaghi in mind. But Proto made the comparison with Vardy and it is true that there are similarities. He also ran like crazy all over the field, and he also came from lower series, himself from the D7. The only difference is that I do not drink beers and red bull like him (laughs). And no, I didn’t have an electronic bracelet either (laughs).”
Which national team are you going to play: that of Belgium or Italy?
“I have always said and I repeat : for the country that selects me first. “