Date: February 11, 2002
Source: www.fiorentina.it
Translated by: Surina
Bati Interview from www.fiorentina.it
Gabriel Batistuta, former Viola captain, is still in the hearts of the fans. The ex Viola bomber, through the Fiorentina website has decided to wish good luck to the current Viola squad on the day in which they begin their new adventure in division C2. He replies to our questions with a smile on his face, asking for news of "his" Florence and of the squad with which he is still very much linked. "This evening I will follow Fiorentina as I have always done", he tells us with a tiny bit of nostalgia. And before greeting us he says "Good Luck Fiorentina!" he still calls us that (Fiorentina). But here is the exclusive interview that the Fiorentina website and Gabriel have decided to present to all of you....
Gabriel, today begins a new adventure for Florence....
Yes unfortunately Fiorentina are in division C2 and it won't be an easy championship this season. It will be hard for the Viola fans but I believe that with their enthusiasm and with the longing for football which there is in Florence even this obstacle can be overcome. In the last few days I have followed events at Fiorentina in the newspapers and I must say that a "warmth" of that kind is the envy of many clubs.
Diego Della Valle is the new owner, is he a guarantee of success?
Yes I really believe so. I have listened to his statements and I really think he has in his head a serious and winning scheme. I can only hope that everything goes the right way and Fiorentina return quickly to where they deserve to be.
Angelo Di Livio is the captain of the new Fiorentina. A good decision if we think that only a few months ago Di livio was at the world cup...
I don't know the events in detail and therefore I can't judge very well. What is certain is that if Di Livio has himself chosen to be at Fiorentina it will be easier. He is a player with great experience who can give a big helping hand to the team and environment, be an example.
Many times when you played in Florence you complained about the lack of serious support at the back. Now they are starting a new adventure, but did you really imagine that Fiorentina would end up in division C2?
Absolutely not. I never expected them to end up in division B. Not on my life did I imagine division C2. I saw that things were not going the right way and I often expressed my worries but I did not think it would go like this. And then everytime I said what I thought I received criticism from those close to me. But I am not going to talk any more about the past or else I will end up saying the same things.
In three years will Fiorentina be able to return to the football that counts (that is the higher divisions)?
We wish them well in everything, but it won't be easy. I hope so because in Florence I have so many friends and so many memories. Nobody can know how things will work out, least of all me. Fiorentina is not the only team that wants to return to the highest levels and what is beginning today will not be an easy adventure.
What do 12,000 season tickets say?
They show the whole of Italy and the whole world what a city like Florence is capable of. It is truly a great demonstration for everyone at a time like this. The Viola fans have shown once more what they feel for their city and for their team.
Is it true that at the end of this season you will leave Rome and return to Argentina?
I'm not going to talk about the future now as really I don't know what I will be doing. What is certain is that I don't feel at the end of my career and I want to continue to play football for several years yet. I hope at least for the time being to be able to continue to play in Italy... provided that someone will still want me that is (here he smiles)
If indeed no-one should want you would you be able to return to Florence if only in two years time with the Viola in division B?
In football you can never say even if this question were to be repeated every time we talked to each other. Who knows, we will see what will happen. It is very difficult but I do not say a "yes" or a "no" nor a "maybe".
Will you return to Florence to live?
I return to Florence very often and it always gives me pleasure to see the city again. And then again I still have a house I am very fond of. So when I finish playing football, I think I will return to Argentina even if for the time being I am not thinking about it. But I will still nip over to Florence.
Is there anything you feel like saying to "your" Fiorentina today when their new adventure is beginning?
I feel like sending them good luck. I am sure that today a new team will be able to reappear. By now the depths have been reached. There won't be anything worse than what has been. To the Viola fans I wish a speedy ascent (from out of the depths).
Will you follow Fiorentina even in division C2?
Of course, as I have on the one hand always done and will always do starting from this evening.......