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Fabio Borini has been speaking about his time with Sunderland...
Former Sunderland favourite Fabio Borini has been reflecting on his time at the club, suggesting that his move to Wearside came at an ideal time for both him and the Black Cats.
The Italian spent two spells in the North East, initially on loan from Liverpool and then having put pen to paper on a permanent deal, and enjoyed plenty of memorable moments in red and white, including goals in both the Wear-Tyne Derby and at Wembley.
Now on the books at Salford City following a period as a free agent, Borini has spoken to Gianluca Di Marzio about his career in England thus far, and highlighted in particular that serendipitous nature of his relationship with Sunderland.
What did Fabio Borini say about Sunderland?
Speaking to the renowned journalist, when reflecting on his decision to move to England as a teenager, the forward said: “At just 16, I found myself at Chelsea. I was supposed to sign with Bologna, but since the club kept postponing the deal, the Blues contacted me. I accepted immediately and packed my bags, taking the first step towards what could have been a dream and turned into a lifestyle.
“You can't have a bad time in London, I even have Big Ben tattooed on me, as a symbol of my maturity: there I went from boy to adult, I evolved. The trophies I won with the Blues weren't mine, having played so little, but I managed to make the mentality that was in the dressing room my own. I perceived what it means to have a winning mentality: there are no off days from that.”
He continued: “At Liverpool I suffered two serious injuries, which made me grow in terms of resilience because I wanted to conquer the world and I couldn't. The club and I met on an ideal footballing path, we needed each other. The bond is still strong and will continue to be so for a long time, because my goals were important and the fans remember me fondly.”
Borini was also asked about the most memorable moments of his career, to which he responded: “Playing for the national team cannot be left out of the podium. Greater than this, perhaps, are the two games played at Wembley. First with Swansea, when we achieved promotion to the Premier League and I realized I could be a footballer. Then when I scored against Sunderland: scoring in that stadium is not a normal thing.”
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On his decision to sign for Salford, he added: “I feel good here at Salford, apart from the mornings of traffic. I found a proactive group of guys and a club that has the ambition of being promoted. What brought me here was the nostalgia of real football.”
“I was looking for those sensations that could warm my heart. I preferred to make a choice that I could consider more mine rather than others that would have simply prolonged my career without any real enjoyment. I take this experience differently, my teammates look at me with admiration given my past in the Premier League, and I like making myself available to a club that aims to become a Championship club. Being part of a journey like this gives me a lot of motivation.”
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