Yeah if he can score 18 goals in Serie A and lead the league in scoring at 37, I'm sure he will be able to score in MLS at 39. Only trouble with signing these over 36's is their stay is short lived. Corradi, Nesta and DiVaio all stayed for maybe 1-2 seasons at most. Drogba is also about done and he almost didn't come back. I wish MLS clubs would start signing these guys at age 28/29 instead of 38/39.....
Not exactly on topic, but I speak to Montreal goalie coach often. I asked him about Drogba and he said he was coming back for sure this season. I asked him how it was coaching that type of caliber player, as in the names you mentioned. He replied joking that theres not much advise the coaching staff could give to World Cup and CL winning players.
Especially at that age, I'm sure they've sen it all and know more than most coaches. It makes you wonder why top players rarely make great managers. I guess its pretty difficult to tell a player to play the great way they did.
Sad day isn't it? Its hard for me to believe he lost a step in one years time. Older or not, he was the Serie A's leading scorer last year and if Verona were saved from relegation last season, it was because of his goals.If he hadn't been injured early on, I'm willing to bet Verona would be saved again.... Salu-Toni: "Addio al calcio Con Delneri mai d'accordo"
I am not so sure it is sad. He had a great career. The time comes for all to step down, including icons from the Roman Empire. Injuries and a coaching change made for a bad year. Luca had his magic but his style of play in not conducive to the modern crap, er I mean game, we see today.
Yeah that is true. He was sort of a late bloomer and wish I could have seen him sooner. I remember seeing him in a Brescia -Perugia game where he scored 3 goals. At that point, he was more of a journeyman and was almost 25 years of age and still hadn't established himself. Two seasons later, he went to Palermo in the Serie B , then to the A and scored 50 goals , went to the national team without having played on a major Serie A team, won the WC and the rest was history. This is an incredible story to say the least... Brescia - Perugia 3:0 (Serie A 2001/2002, 28. Giornata)
Looking at those highlights, even then you see this awkward looking giant but he knew how to put it away.
Lucas Antonius wraps up his final game with a cucchiaio and win over Juve. A fitting way to end a legendary career.
Hi presence on the field still changes a game. You could see how he played yesterday. Its sad that all these older players are retiring. At least Toni got a chance to play but DiNatale I believe is out of favor completely and that is sad considering he gave his life to Udinese.
I think DiNatale has been injured. I recall reading that he hopes to be fit for the last match at Udine.
Luca Toni didn't even dress or go to Palermo I don't believe. Too bad he had to end his career on that note....
Ask Gigi Delneri. I guess he honored him with his last game at home and didn't think it was necessary to bring him to Palermo where he scored 50 goals in 2 seasons. Maybe its just as well as he could have very well relegated the Sicilian club with a goal or two.