Lazio striker Ciro Immobile has joined the Italian contingent preparing for their upcoming games against England and Hungary in the UEFA Nations League, respectively.
Speaking ahead of the game against the Euro 2020 finalists, Ciro Immobile admitted that he had thoughts of retiring from international football amid Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and the intense criticism that the striker often receives for his performances in the national colours. As quoted by Sky Sport Italia, the 32-year-old said:
“I had thoughts about leaving the national team after the lack of qualification and many criticisms. After slowly returning to play with the club, I realized that I still had something to give to the national team. With different feelings, because I know that there will be no World Cup for several years; the age advances, but if I am as well as today, I can still give so much.”
Since making his debut for Gli Azzurri in 2014, the forward has scored 15 goals from 55 appearances. With the national team, he has won a European championship, which came in a frenzied final at Wembley Stadium against England in the summer of 2021.
GIFN | Jyotirmoy Halder
