¡Qué historia! Mattia Caldara, the defender who once shone in the AC Milan jersey, has risen from the ashes in Modena. He has not only become a defensive pillar but has also rediscovered the path to goal. His recent goal against Palermo, after 1,077 days without scoring, is a beacon of hope in his career.
His journey has been a labyrinth of injuries. «I think I’ve scored more goals than injuries… But the injuries were severe, and when you’re out for so long, it’s not easy to come back,» Caldara confessed in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
His time at Milan, which promised to be glorious, was cut short by a series of misfortunes. «In October, I injured my Achilles tendon, but they didn’t operate, and I thought I would heal. Instead, it was a long process… It was even worse when my cruciate ligament ruptured in May, shortly after returning: I asked myself a thousand questions, it was difficult to accept,» Caldara recounts.
However, his passion for football and the support of his loved ones kept him afloat. «The anchors are the people who love you. And then, I was born to play, the goal has always been just to get back on the field, quickly,» he asserts with determination.
His own experiences have allowed him to become a beacon of hope for his teammates. Regarding his captain’s recent injury, he says: «I was there, hoping it wasn’t true, that it wasn’t like mine: unfortunately, after the tests, it was. I wish him to return, he has the right mindset, and even if he’s 36, he definitely won’t give up.»
Caldara’s career has had moments of glory and shadows: a Champions League debut with Atalanta, relegations with Venezia and Spezia. His brief return to Milan in 2023 led him to Modena, where he is rediscovering his best form.
About his arrival at Modena, he explains: «No, but they were the most determined. The sporting director Catellani called me, then I met with the CEO Matteo Rivetti, and I spoke with Bisoli.»
His goal in Modena is consistency and overcoming adversity. «The goal was to give continuity. I think I’ve started well, but it’s early. The goal against Palermo, however, was liberating.»
At 30, Caldara has become a mentor for the young talents of Modena. «Yes, there are players born in 2005 and 2006. But only for on-field matters: then maybe I’ll also have to encourage those who are down, given what I’ve been through…».
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