Montella’s destiny: “I love Sampdoria and it’s a dream to be back”

The press room at the Centro Sportivo Mugnaini was packed to the rafters this morning in expectation of Vincenzo Montella, or ‘the star’ as president Massimo Ferrero referred to him in his welcome tweet.

Here’s what the new Blucerchiati manager had to say to the assembled journalists:

“I decided to drive from Rome to Genoa in order to cast my mind back over all the wonderful memories I have of my time here. I want to thank the president because it’s solely down to his courage, passion and enthusiasm that I am here today. I love Sampdoria and I really wanted to come here.”

It’s hard to remember a coach evoking such a positive reaction from the fans as the one we’ve seen with the Aeroplanino. “I know Sampdoria fans really well. I share their values and their way of understanding football.

“We’ll have the time and opportunity to go on a great journey together. I won’t be distracted by their love, although I do affectionately remember the way the crowd applauded me when I returned for the first time with Fiorentina.”

You can hear more from Vincenzo Montella in the video below: