Paris Saint-Germain midfielder delighted with Italy recall

Date: 25th March 2016 at 8:14pm
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Thiago-Motta_Paris Saint-Germain’s Thiago Motta made his first start for the Italian national team since the 2014 World Cup, and has admitted he is glad to have been recalled to the Azzurri.

Motta was called up by coach Antonio Conte for the first time to play against Spain and World Cup holders Germany, in a set of friendlies just a few months prior to the European Championships.

“Obviously the World Cup in Brazil did not go well, and there is always a lot of competition for spots on the national team,” he said to Rai Sports following the draw with Spain.

“I just carried on working the way I always do and focused on helping my club.

“I don’t know why the coach recalled me, you’d have to ask him; but I’ve been working hard this season for my club, with the ultimate goal of returning to the Italian side.

“Conte is very knowledgeable about the sport and works hard to convey his ideas to the team, which I think it is starting to show on the pitch.

“Each coach is different, Conte likes to focus on repetition in training, so we practice movements until we know them by heart.”

When asked about fellow PSG teammate Marco Verratti, as well as some of Italy’s other veteran midfielders like Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi, the 33-year old said he doesn’t view them as competition but as players with a common goal.

“Andrea and Daniele are both great players and have done well in their international careers. Ultimately, it is up to the coach to chose who will go to the Euros, all we can do is give our best if called upon.

“I don’t view Marco as competition, only as a teammate. He is going through a difficult moment due to his injury but he is a player I really like, and has proved himself at every level.”

 

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