Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin has insisted that he was merely aiming to secure the Grifone number one jersey this season despite being selected by Cesare Prandelli for Italy’s World Cup squad.
The Azzurri coach named a provisional 30-man squad on Tuesday evening, and while the squad will be whittled down to 23 over the next few weeks, the 21-year-old is sure of his place as Prandelli has named three goalkeepers.
“I wanted to prepare myself for the new season and prove to be the [number one] keeper at Genoa,” Perin told Telenord.
“For me it is a dream to get to the World Cup.
“Until yesterday I was hoping to be included in the potential 30, but now I am sure to be among the 23 that will go to Brazil.
“I thank everyone at Genoa who helped me to reach this milestone.
“At 21-years-old it will be a very important experience that will make me grow as a man and as a player.
Returning from a loan spell with Pescara last season the youngster became first-choice at the Luigi Ferraris under former coach Fabio Liverani, and Perin thanked him and current boss Gian Piero Gasperini for the faith shown in him.
“I never lost my spirit,” stressed Perin as he remembered some notable performances this term.
“Inter at home, AC Milan at the San Siro and the derby matches were all beautiful. Thanks are due to Liverani and Gasperini.”
“Liverani gave me confidence after Fiorentina and he started me in the derby and Gasperini has always shown belief in me.
“Also, when I walk through Genoa I receive the affection of the people.
“Genoa is my home and my family. I feel like a Rossoblu and I want to play for Genoa.”
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton
