Milan, 6 August (LaPresse) – There is a young man who started out in Como, on a small pitch in Rebbio, and who runs. He always runs. He runs even when others slow down, and especially when the going gets tough. He runs for himself, for his team and for an entire nation. His name is Gianluca Zambrotta. His story is one of quiet hard work. ‘I was born and raised in Como and started playing football back in 1986,’ the 2006 World Cup winner told Vivo Azzurro TV in an exclusive interview. "I used to go to the parish youth club on foot or by bike. It all started on the Rebbio pitch with US Alebbio and coach Giorgio Taiana (now an advisor to the Lombardy amateur club, ed.), whom I still remember fondly. That's where it all began." Because there is always a beginning in the life of those who leave their mark. His is simple and concrete. A humble family, working in textiles. ‘Como has always been the city of silk,’ recalls Zambrotta. And he too, as a qualified textile expert, “risked” ending up in a factory if football hadn't changed his trajectory. Yet even when destiny seems to want to take another direction, there are choices that have the flavour of values that stand the test of time. Like saying yes to the national team, always and in any case. ‘We even went when we were injured,’ he says, ‘just to be examined by the doctor, in the hope of staying as long as possible. Because the blue jersey was not up for discussion: we just loved it.’
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