On the eve of the first match of the Champions League 1/8 finals against Valencia, Atalanta captain Alejandro Gomez recalled the milestones of his career.

“After three relatively successful years in Catania, I became interested in stronger clubs: Inter, Atletico,” the Argentinean said in an interview with El Pais. - Then they were not as rich as they are now, and could not pay the required 10 million euros by Catania. Inter offered a maximum of 6 million, and Atletico eventually bought David Vilyu for 4 million. "

“Now it’s fashionable among younger players to go on strike, not to attend training sessions and put pressure on the club in such ways and demand a transfer. I’ve never done such a thing, so I just reconciled.

“However, unexpectedly an invitation came from Metalist, who was supposed to play in the Champions League and fought with Shakhtar for the league title. In addition, the team had a lot of Argentines, so I thought: \? At least I’ll play in European competition and earn money. "

" UEFA club disqualification, adaptation problems, then war broke out in Ukraine. Someone says that I escaped, but I just could not risk my family "

“I was not able to make my debut in the Champions League in Metalist, but I did it with Atalanta, although the start of the tournament was terrible. And in the end, the fate of our exit in the playoffs was decided in Kharkov - the city where I suffered so much and from which I fled from the war. It was like a “compensation"

The 32-year-old Argentinean (4 matches for the national team, 1 goal) played for Arsenal Sarandi (93 matches in all tournaments, 15 goals), San Lorenzo (58, 9), Catania (111, 18), Metalist (24, 4.

Match Atalanta - Valencia will be held on Wednesday, February 19. Beginning at 22:00 Kiev time.

Formerly Football. ua reported bookmaker quotes for the Champions League 1/8 finals match.

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