Some players are rated among the best in their age group while coming through the youth ranks but fail to hit the expected heights as a senior professional. Luca Caldirola’s story is one such tale of unfulfilled potential.
The centre-back was thought of as one of the most promising talents while coming through the Inter Milan academy. However, he only managed one senior appearance for the Nerazzurri and he has experienced a somewhat journeyman career since then.
After unsuccessful spells in Holland and Germany, the 29-year-old is now back in his home country, plying his trade for Serie B side Benevento.
However, things could have been so different for Caldirola as he revealed that several clubs, including Spurs, were interested in signing him when he was a teenager.
During an Instagram Livestream on Casa Di Marzio (as relayed by Passione Inter), the defender said: “I was very young at Inter, I was the captain, I was also part of the U15 and U18 national teams.
“There were many scouts to see us and at that time I had proposals from several English teams, the most important four, and together with them even Tottenham, my favourite.
“My parents immediately said no, then we also spoke with Inter and they also gave me the first professional contract. I was happy to stay at Inter, it was my second home.”
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However, the defender insisted that he didn’t regret turning down the Lilywhites and the other English clubs that were in for him.
When asked if he had any regrets, Caldirola responded: “No, sometimes I talk to my father about it. The only regret is to have left the academy at the wrong time.
“It was the Inter of Mourinho, of invincible defenders such as Samuel, Lucio, Materazzi, Chivu. Carving out space was difficult, but I have no regrets.”
Spurs Web Opinion
We have seen countless examples of players who are considered one of the best talents during their mid and late teens, fail to make it at the top level. Conversely, we have also seen players who have had average youth careers mature when they hit their twenties and go on to be world-class players. This is why fans have to be cautious while bigging up young talents and putting too much pressure on them, as almost nothing is guaranteed when it comes to their development. Their mentality is often as important as their ability.
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