Wednesday 9 July 2014 17:51, UK
Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale has explained why he changed his mind about retiring from the game.
Back in January, the 36-year-old former Italy international announced that he will quit professional football at the end of the 2013/14 season.
However, following the conclusion of the campaign, in which the Udine-based club finished 13th in Serie A, the former Empoli striker made a U-turn and declared that he will continue to play.
Di Natale has now explained why he made the decision to carry on playing..
“I no longer had the will to play,” he told reporters. “Then the Pozzo family, the fans, my wife and my children made me change my mind.
“A week ago I spoke on the phone with the new coach (Andrea Stramaccioni), who asked me to return for the first day of pre-season. I accepted this with enthusiasm because I want to train and start well.”
Di Natale, who has scored 193 Serie A goals in his career so far, has also underlined his objectives for next season.
“I would like to get to 205 Serie A goals alongside Roberto Baggio, as for me it would be an honour to be alongside a great champion like him,” he said.
“Recently I met with him and we spoke about this. I wish to reach 200 goals to make my dad happy, as at this moment he is not well.”
