Fiorentina’s Edoardo Bove opened up about his time under José Mourinho, expressing gratitude for the care he received from the Roma manager but acknowledging that a certain nickname didn’t help his progress. Meanwhile, Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, returning to San Siro, shared his anticipation of a warm reception from the fans despite the jeers he faced during his last visit with PSG. Both players reflected on their past experiences and the emotions surrounding their respective returns.
Fiorentina’s Bove: “Mourinho cared for me, but that nickname didn’t help.”
Edoardo Bove, the midfielder for Fiorentina, recently spoke with Radio Deejay about several subjects, including his thoughts on his current coach, Raffaele Palladino, and his experiences under former Roma manager José Mourinho.
Speaking about Palladino, Bove said, “He’s a bit of a nerd (laughs); he pays attention to every detail. It took us some time to understand certain mechanisms, but now we’re doing well. There’s a serene atmosphere that allows us to do things properly.”
Looking back on his time with Mourinho at Roma, Bove talked about the nickname the Portuguese coach had given him. “Mourinho had nicknamed me ‘sick dog,’ and it didn’t help, but I know he cared for me. In professional football, some coaches ask for something extra from you, and your qualities can be put aside. When you’re constantly running after everyone, it’s not easy to be clear-headed with the ball.”
Bove also spoke about his growth and progress as a player. “In the first few matches, you’re never brave, there’s always a bit of emotion and you hide. With time, you gain confidence and responsibility. This year I feel at the center of the project.”
When questioned about his Fiorentina teammates who were transferred from clubs that no longer valued them, Bove replied, “Everyone has this idea, and looking at the players, it’s true. We left some clubs, each for different reasons, but in the end, a player’s motivations are not to prove to the old team how much you’re worth. You play for your team and your teammates.”
Bove also offered praise for his teammates, David De Gea and Moise Kean. “David is a fantastic person. I’ve learned that the stronger they are, the better people they are. With Kean, you can see that something has clicked mentally. He takes on different responsibilities. He feels central and is also responsible for his teammates. I wouldn’t focus on the goals but more on the chases when he loses the ball. It shows how much he really cares. Then, from a physical and technical point of view, he’s an animal.”
Lastly, Bove talked about his connection to his former football school, Boreale, where he has invested in shares. “We want to let the kids play with maximum tranquility beyond the formations. I do it so that they can experience what I experienced in an educated and respectful environment without needing to prove anything to anyone.”
Donnarumma Expects a Warm Welcome on San Siro Return
Italy will face France tonight in the UEFA Nations League, featuring Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez, and Youssouf Fofana. Both teams have already secured their spots in the quarter-finals but will compete for first place in the group.
Donnarumma’s departure from Milan in the summer of 2021 left many fans disappointed. Having come through the academy and made his debut at just 16, he left for Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, leaving Milan empty-handed.
He made his return to San Siro last season as the Rossoneri defeated PSG 2-1 in the Champions League. When his name was announced, he was met with loud jeers, insults, and chants while fake money bearing his face was thrown from the stands.
In the pre-match press conference, Donnarumma discussed his return to San Siro and his expectations from the fans, with his remarks shared by MilanNews.
What will it be like to be back at San Siro?
“Returning to San Siro is always special, it was my home for many years, there are wonderful fans, they make you feel their warmth, when you enter San Siro you have a totally different energy.
“As I will tell the team, if there will be this atmosphere it is also thanks to us, we must be proud, we must go there and make them excited.”
What do you expect from the fans at San Siro?
“I expect a great reception, when we wear the national team jersey we are all Italian, I expect a great atmosphere for the whole team, I am convinced that it will be a special evening.”
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