Acerbi responds to Spalletti: “I’m not staying where I’m not wanted”
It is an open clash between Francesco Acerbi and the national team’s technical commissioner, Luciano Spalletti. A few hours after the coach’s announcement on the Inter defender’s renouncement to the Azzurri call-up, came a harsh and direct reply from the Nerazzurri player , through a long post published on Instagram.
“I demand respect. And if this respect is lacking from those who should lead a group, then I prefer to step aside,” – Acerbi wrote, thus explaining his decision not to respond to the call-up for the upcoming matches against Norway and Moldova, valid for the qualification for the next World Cup.
Spalletti, in a press conference, had said, “Acerbi did not respond to the call-up. He thought again about what happened around him. I had summoned him because of what he showed in this period. This morning via text message he told me no.” A statement that has generated inevitable controversy, with Acerbi wanting to clarify his position, stressing that his decision is not dictated by anger or disappointment over the lost Champions League final, but by the feeling of no longer being part of the project.
“I am not looking for alibis or favors,” the defender continued, “but I need serenity to continue a path. I have always given everything for the blue jersey, but now it is right to take a step back.”
This is not a final farewell, as specified by Acerbi himself, but a necessary pause to regain balance and dignity.
This is the full message of Francesco Acerbi on his Instagram profile: ” After deep reflection, I informed the coach today that I do not accept the call-up to the national team. It is not a choice taken lightly, because wearing the blue jersey has always been an honor and pride for me.”
The Italian defender went on to say, ” However, I felt that, in light of recent events, the conditions do not exist to date to continue this path serenely. I do not seek alibis or favors, but I demand respect. And if this respect is lacking from those who should lead a group, then I prefer to step aside. I am not someone who clings to a summons. I have always given everything, but I don’t stay where I am no longer really wanted. And it is clear that I am not part of the ct’s project.”
Concluding by saying, “This is my decision. As I told the ct this morning, it is not final. It is neither dictated by anger, nor even less by ‘depression’ over a lost Champions League final, but only by a need to take a step back. I wish the best for the national team and like my teammates: I will continue to cheer for them with the same attachment I have always shown on the field”.
