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Argentina |
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Crespo: I still love Italian football |
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At the age of 31 and with a staggering
list of achievements, one could perhaps forgive the lethal Argentinian
front-man Hernan Crespo for resting on his laurels. South America's
all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a league winner in every
country he has played in and proud owner of the adidas Silver Shoe award
from the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, the well-travelled goal-getter is
certainly not finished yet. |
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The challenges look set to come thick
and fast throughout 2007 for a man who first came to
prominence at hometown club River Plate. Quite apart from spearheading club
side Inter Milan's bid for Serie A and UEFA Champions League success, Crespo
is also keen to take part in his first-ever Copa America with Argentina. As
he prepares to face these tasks head on, the undisputed heir to Gabriel
Batistuta's goal-laden throne chatted exclusively with FIFA.com
about his 2006, the year ahead, and his long-term ambition: to stay sharp
enough to appear at South Africa 2010. |
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Senor Crespo, what was your
defining memory of last year's FIFA World Cup?
The opening game against Cote d'Ivoire, no doubt about it. That game
signalled the end of a long period of preparation, and meant that we could
get things underway once and for all. It's a unique feeling and all about
putting your nerves to one side and trying to make your dreams come true. |
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How would you describe Germany
2006 overall?
Beautiful! It was an unbelievable World Cup,
the stadiums were always full and there were loads of Argentinian fans. It
was incredibly moving to see a stadium packed with Argentinians, especially
since we know how tough things are financially for our fellow countrymen. |
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Over in Germany you shared the
top scorers' podium with Miroslav Klose and Ronaldo. How would you define
them as players?
 Klose
isn't merely a great goalscorer, he's also a great all-round player. He's
proved that in recent seasons and he continues to do so. Playing the World
Cup on home soil clearly meant that he was doubly determined to do well, as
were the rest of the [Germany] team. Germany ended up taking third place and
he finished as top scorer, so he deserves to be congratulated. What can I
say about Ronaldo that hasn't already been said? With the exception of
[Diego] Maradona, he's the best player of modern times. He's an example to
follow for any attacking player and has been a decisive figure in every team
he's played. An award like this, which was a first for us, is already
something of a habit for him. (Laughs) |
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How would you describe what
has happened in your own career over the last year?
There was a bit of everything. Winning the Premiership with Chelsea was a
very good achievement. I was then fortunate enough to play in the World Cup
before topping it all off by earning a move back to Italy with a massive
club like Inter. Things are going very well at the moment, with God's help,
but we'll have to see what happens over the next six months |
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What kind of a welcome did you
receive from the Inter fans, given that you enjoyed a recent spell at rivals
AC Milan?
They were really, really great. I have to say it surprised me a little, as
it's not easy going from one team to another. But I've been treated very
well at both clubs. Inter welcomed me with open arms and the fans have been
absolutely tremendous. I must confess to having a few concerns with regard
to my time at Milan, but they've treated me absolutely wonderfully |
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You are the highest goalscorer
in the history of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in South America, and have
played for some of the world's biggest clubs. What is your secret?
There's no magic formula. You have to have huge desire, and a genuine love
of playing the game and the sport as a whole. And above and beyond your
technical ability, you need be very mentally strong and have a lot of heart.
You need all of that to become a star of world football. |
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Given the way your career has
panned out, it is safe to say that you know European and South American
football inside out. Were you surprised by Internacional de Porto Alegre's
recent victory over FC Barcelona in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Yes, but not because of the team that won. The real turn up for the books
was that Barca lost. And even more so when you consider that it was a World
Club Final. That said, it doesn't surprise me when South American teams pull
off feats like these. Didn't Sao Paulo do exactly the same against Liverpool
in 2005? Europeans sides have always struggled against South American teams,
even when they have much bigger stars on paper. Over 90 minutes, anything
can happen. |
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How do you feel about the
appointment of Alfio Basile as Argentina coach?
I think it's a great move. I haven't had the chance to speak to him yet, but
I was in the squad for the Spain game. Unfortunately I missed that match
through injury but I'm keeping patient and have not lost my desire to play
for the national team. The key is to show that you're a regular at club
level, that you're playing well, and that you really want to be in the
squad. I've got all that and more. |
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Despite enjoying such a long
international career, you have yet to take part in the Copa America. Will
you break your duck at Venezuela 2007?
Why not? There have been several reasons why
I've not been able to take part during my 12 years in the national team.
Whether it was because the tournament coincided with our World Cup
qualifying campaign, or because it took place the year before the World Cup
and they [the coaching staff] decided to rest us… I've just never had the
chance. We'll have to see what happens this year, but why not? |
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You have already appeared at
three FIFA World Cups. Is it feasible to imagine you playing at the 2010
tournament?
I hope so. The idea is to try and stay on top of your game. I'm 31 years old
and so I'll have to play things by ear, because anything can happen in four
years. As I said before, we'll have to see how I'm feeling in four years'
time and see if I'm still up to the job. Should that be the case, then I can
start getting my hopes up. |
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One last question: Juan Veron
recently won the title on his return to Argentina with Estudiantes de La
Plata. Is that something that appeals to you or do you plan to stay in
Italy?
I don't know. There's a part of me that would
like to go back to River Plate, where I grew up. But at the same time I'm a
massive fan of Italian football, which makes me want to make the most of
every minute and use every last drop of strength to keep me here. You never
know with these things, that possibility will always be there in the
background. |
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