The Roberto Baggio Portal

O-NRG · May 16, 2004

there passes a legend in his own right, arrivederci Roberto Baggio! :star:

Carson35 · May 17, 2004

Baggio: My career was a victory Sunday 16 May, 2004

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Roberto Baggio lowers the curtain on a 20-year career and claims merely being here has been a victory in itself.

“It was an emotional and wonderful moment,” he said after receiving a standing ovation at the San Siro in today’s 4-2 defeat. “I must thank Milan for giving me such a warm and affectionate reception. This was my last match.”

The recent Azzurri swansong, a 1-1 draw with Spain, also highlighted how Baggio is loved all over the country.

“There are some people who don’t like me,” he assured, “but the constant love of so many supporters has helped me to get over that. There really was no better way of closing my career.”

There are still slender hopes he will change his mind, but the 37-year-old believes it is time to hang up his boots.

“I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with my knees,” smiled the Divine Ponytail. “These legs have given me so much joy, but as the years pass those niggling pains just get worse and above all damage my running style.”

Baggio had major knee surgery at the tender age of 18, but recovered and always picked himself up again despite a series of operations.

“I have regrets, such as the penalty in the 1994 World Cup Final, but if I think back at the time when I was supposed to retire from football and yet here I am celebrating a 20-year career filled with joy, then I must say above all it was a victory against my own body.”

Now Italian football must find a new figure to adore, although it’s unlikely anyone will match the legendary Baggio.

“It is difficult to find an heir. Francesco Totti is a great player and Antonio Cassano has the quality to become quite incredible.”

Some pundits are still putting pressure on Giovanni Trapattoni to call Baggio for Euro 2004, but he doesn’t think it will happen.

“I have not been in contact with Trapattoni,” he revealed. “If there was going to be a phone call, I think it would already have been made.”

channel4

Del Piero · May 17, 2004

It was very touching in the game on Sunday when Maldini went to hug Baggio.

roud:

Bandiera · May 19, 2004

lazindo17 said:
Baggio Is First Class..I hope Mr Trap not closing his eyes For Baggio in Euro 2004:fero:

He has and once again it will probably come to haunt him.

BLAQUEST · Jun 24, 2004

Remember when he missed the PK in the World Cup

Carson35 · Jun 29, 2004

Viola have Baggio idea Monday 28 June, 2004

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Roberto Baggio’s retirement may be over before it has even started after Fiorentina were linked with his services.

The 37-year-old hung up his boots at the end of last season but the Tuscan outfit want to bring him back to the club.

Baggio, whose Brescia contract expires this summer, made his Serie A debut with Fiorentina in the late 1980s before a controversial switch to rivals Juventus.

Now chief Diego Della Valle is reportedly ready to offer Baggio the chance to extend his playing career.

The Viola are back in the top-flight after winning promotion and Della Valle has dreams of signing Baggio.

The Italian legend would not only be of use on the field but also off it as a marketing tool for the club.

However, the chances of convincing Baggio to start his playing career again seem very slim indeed.

He is understood to have received numerous offers from around the world but has so far declined them all.

channel4

Carson35 · Jul 4, 2004

Viola call back Baggio Sunday 4 July, 2004

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The Divine Ponytail had perhaps his happiest years at the Stadio Artemio Franchi and their President admits he is in talks for a return.

“I would love to convince Roberto Baggio to come and join us at Fiorentina,” revealed chief Diego Della Valle. “His would be a very welcome return, although I fear it already may be too late.”

37-year-old Baggio announced his retirement this summer after a series of injuries made it increasingly difficult for him to maintain his high standards.

There are nonetheless rumours that the right offer could convince him to take those boots off the hook and wear the Viola jersey again. He shot to fame with Fiorentina in 1985, eventually moving to Juventus after the 1990 World Cup.

He isn’t the only old glory to consider a comeback at the Stadio Franchi, as Manuel Rui Costa’s decision to retire from international football could bring him back to his old club.

“Who knows how many famous names will be linked to us in the press,” added Della Valle. “I can say that only those players who won’t break the bank and can keep a balance between income and costs will be signed.”

Another intriguing transfer story has Fiorentina close to capturing Chilean sensation Luis Jimenez.

The 20-year-old midfielder has shone for Serie B side Ternana over the last couple of seasons and was heavily linked with Juventus, but it seems the Viola have pounced with an early offer.

channel4

azzurri4ever · Jul 5, 2004

I really hope Baggio decides to make a comeback. But we know his time as a player is up and even if he does return, it probably won't be for long.

Hopefully, we'll see him a few years' time as coach.

TiNiB · Jul 7, 2004

A pretty cool compilatio video by marcus walkin:

http://www.robertobaggio.com/walkin.zip

Carson35 · Jul 13, 2004

Mondo calls in Baggio Monday 12 July, 2004

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Emiliano Mondonico has opened the door for Roberto Baggio to continue his career at Fiorentina.

The 37-year-old quit the game at the end of last season but the Viola boss is attempting to lure him out of retirement.

"I do know him well and I think it will be difficult to convince him to change his mind," Mondonico told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Perhaps he will kick his last football in Japan or Qatar but there is always the Florence option open to him."

The legendary Italian first made his name in Italian football during five seasons with the Viola between 1985 and 1990.

He later enjoyed spells at Juventus, Bologna and Brescia but did struggle at both Milan and Inter. He also became a fringe player with the national side.

"He was robbed by modern day football," added the tactician. "I would change my system to have him in my side.

"I would allow him to play a free role behind a striker by giving him the option to do whatever he wanted."

channel4

Carson35 · Aug 3, 2004

Baggio considers comeback Monday 2 August, 2004

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Roberto Baggio admits he is considering offers for a return to Serie A football this season for Bologna or Fiorentina.

“I have received some interesting offers,” confessed the Divine Ponytail this evening. “I must evaluate my own physical fitness before giving them a response.”

The 37-year-old announced his retirement last season, blaming years of fitness worries and several operations for the decision to hang up his boots.

Many friends and colleagues had tried to convince him to change his mind, but up until now it was to no avail and he was even granted one final Azzurri cap in a 1-1 friendly draw with Spain.

However, the former Brescia man has now suggested a sensational return could be on the cards.

Although Baggio has not named names, it is widely believed the offers he is considering are from Bologna and Fiorentina.

He had his most prolific campaign with the Rossoblu in 1997-98, scoring 22 goals in 30 appearances. His career had been on the downward slide after a disappointing spell at Milan and it was salvaged by Coach Carlo Mazzone – who has also returned to the Stadio Dall’Ara and helped him at Brescia.

Fiorentina remains the club that is probably closest to Baggio’s heart, as it was here he had his first impact with Serie A in 1986-87. Despite recovering from a potentially career-ending ligament injury, he went on to play four seasons with the Viola and became a fan favourite. Supporters famously staged a riot in the streets of Florence when he was sold to Juventus in 1990.

The fact that Fiorentina are back in Serie A just two years after their bankruptcy makes Baggio’s comeback an enticing proposition.

channel4

Bandiera · Aug 3, 2004

Oh my god Raby and Zola playing on the same fields again,These are what dreams are made of.If he returned to fiorentina it would be truly"Paradiso"If he returned fullstop it would be HEAVEN!!!

Carson35 · Aug 4, 2004

Viola would welcome Baggio Tuesday 3 August, 2004

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Fiorentina confirm they would welcome back Roberto Baggio with open arms, although his agent suggests a comeback is not necessarily inevitable.

“I have received offers from Bologna and Fiorentina,” revealed the 37-year-old Divine Ponytail yesterday evening. “I will evaluate my own physical condition before giving them my reply.”

These words sparked an outpouring of celebration and enthusiasm around the two clubs, but in particular it seems as if the Viola have the upper hand.

“If Baggio speaks highly of Fiorentina, is in good condition and wants a return to football,” explained Director General Fabrizio Lucchesi, “then we are the first to celebrate that. I admit that a few months ago there was some contact, but there have been no more developments.”

Baggio was a fan favourite at the Stadio Artemio Franchi and never hid the fact he would relish a return to the city of Florence, where he first tasted Serie A.

Bologna would also be an intriguing proposition, as he had his most prolific ever season there in 1997-98 and would be reunited with Coach Carlo Mazzone, who also oversaw his progress at Brescia.

However, Baggio’s agent Vittorio Petrone has poured cold water over claims the much-loved player has decided to postpone his retirement.

“I would personally do anything to see him play football again,” said Petrone on Fiorentina’s website, “but I think Roberto has made the decision to hang up his boots. In any case, these two clubs certainly do want to bring in Baggio, so it is not just speculation.”

channel4

Carson35 · Aug 9, 2004

Lazio president to meet Baggio's agent
tribalfootball.com - August 9, 2004

Lazio president Claudio Lotito is set to attempt to bring Roberto Baggio out of retirement this week.
Lotito is already confident he has signed Charlton Athletic striker Paolo Di Canio, despite the protests of the Premiership club.

He now is turning his attention to Baggio and has scheduled a meeting with his agent for Tuesday to discuss the veteran's future.

Berbatov_9 · Aug 9, 2004

LAZIO?! Oh no....

Gabrielle · Aug 10, 2004

Fiorentina,Bologna and Lazio...these clubs still want Roby

roud:

Berbatov_9 · Aug 10, 2004

Gabrielle said:
Fiorentina,Bologna and Lazio...these clubs still want Roby roud:

a nice journey through Italy, what an adventurous career.... Whereever he is going it would be great to see him another year. Okay, if it´s Lazio then.... *accepted*. Although I can not really imagine there.

Gabrielle · Aug 10, 2004

IF (a big IF) Roby decided to continue playing I don't think it'll be with Lazio though. Either he went back to Fiorentina or to where Mazzone is coaching...

I get to watch his last game in San Siro last season...if he decide not to retire yet then I would have to go back to Italy to watch his last game (again!) hehe

Carson35 · Aug 11, 2004

Di Canio now, Baggio later? Tuesday 10 August, 2004

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Paolo Di Canio is expected to complete his move to Lazio today, but could soon be followed by another veteran – Roberto Baggio.

"We hope to make Di Canio's arrival official today or tomorrow at the latest," said director of sport Oreste Cinquini. "He is currently in negotiations with Charlton Athletic."

The 36-year-old had flown in to the Capital for talks last week, assuring that this represented a “return home” for the former Biancocelesti hero.

The deal was not made official due to his need to terminate a contract with Charlton that had only been signed two months ago, while there was also some red tape to work through.

Lazio may have sold most of their internationals over the summer, but new President Claudio Lotito is not without ambition and is making some frenetic phone calls to Roberto Baggio’s agent Vittorio Petrone.

The Divine Ponytail had already admitted earlier this month that he was reconsidering his position just months after announcing his retirement.

“I have received offers from Fiorentina and Bologna,” he had said, “and will have to evaluate my own physical condition before I give them a reply.”

Now Lazio have dived in with their own proposal, linking up two former Juventus players of the early 1990’s, as Di Canio has already shared the field with Baggio.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina are set to raid Lazio’s squad for two new signings as the cash-strapped Capital club continues to sell up.

The Biancocelesti have already lost Bernardo Corradi, Stefano Fiore, Claudio Lopez, Jaap Stam, Giuseppe Favalli and their Coach Roberto Mancini in a desperate bid to cut costs.

More sales are on the way with reports that Fiorentina are in advanced negotiations to exchange Giuliano Giannichedda with Euro 2004 winning Greek forward Zisis Vryzas.

The newly promoted Stadio Artemio Franchi outfit are also showing a marked interest in Lazio’s fullback Luciano Zauri.

Cesar has long been linked with a move away from the Olimpico and his options have been whittled down to Inter and Juventus.

The Brazilian winger would relish the opportunity to hook up with Coach Roberto Mancini and several of his former Lazio teammates at Inter, but President Claudio Lotito will hold out for the best player swap deal.

channel4

Carson35 · Aug 12, 2004

Napoli reveal Baggio talks Wednesday 11 August, 2004

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Luciano Gaucci is determined to keep Napoli in Serie B and today confirmed negotiations with Roberto Baggio.

“There is a meeting already set up between our director of sport Guido Angelozzi and agent Vittorio Petrone to discuss signing Roberto Baggio,” Gaucci told a local television station.

This is not the first time that the Perugia and Napoli patron has named Baggio as a transfer target, but he has now confirmed that talks are taking place.

“Baggio is the kind of player who brings crowds to their feet all by himself,” continued the ambitious businessman, “and Napoli can truly appreciate that type of football.”

The Serie A and B calendars should be drawn up tomorrow, but with Napoli’s place still far from certain that could be delayed.

The FIGC insists that the only avenue for the bankrupt side is Serie C1 as part of the Lodo Petrucci rule, or to start again in the amateur divisions. However, Gaucci won an appeal to the Naples Tribunal yesterday afternoon stating that the club’s place in Serie B is to be considered an asset that cannot be taken away from the creditors.

There are now reports that Serie B could be expanded to 23 teams in order to accommodate the litigious Gaucci and he is preparing for the future.

“In order to be competitive and aim for promotion into Serie A,” he added, “we need another seven great players. Napoli have already signed Zeljko Kalac and Luca Fusani from Perugia and we’re looking to bring in others.”

Meanwhile, Ancona look set to miss out on both Serie B and C1, as this morning the club was declared bankrupt and an administrator assigned. Reports suggest their debts mounted to as much as £20m after ex-President Ermanno Pieroni was arrested and accused of fraud.

channel4

The Roberto Baggio Portal

O-NRG

Carson35

Del Piero

Bandiera

BLAQUEST

Carson35

Carson35

azzurri4ever

TiNiB

Carson35

Carson35

Bandiera

Carson35

Carson35

Berbatov_9

Gabrielle

Berbatov_9

Gabrielle

Carson35

Carson35

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