Gattuso on Palermo and Milan

By Football Italia staff

Gennaro Gattuso comments on his Palermo job, Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy. “The only thing I fear is death.”

The former Milan midfielder is set to take over as Coach of Serie B side Palermo after a short spell as player-manager in Switzerland with Sion FC.

“I am completing the paperwork with Sion to terminate the contract early,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“Am I afraid of President Maurizio Zamparini’s reputation for hiring and firing? No, the only thing I fear is death!

“We will do what is best for Palermo, if this marriage goes through. We talked and expressed our mutual respect. I can certainly say my playing days are over, as I can no longer take the medication I need to continue.

“Will Fabrizio Miccoli be in my team? I don’t know. His contract is up this summer and I don’t know if the club intends to renew it.”

Gattuso left Milan last summer and there are now precious few of the old guard left, as captain Massimo Ambrosini’s contract was allowed to expire.

“Ambrosini had a great career and was a wonderful teammate, but everyone has to say goodbye at some point. I don’t know if he was ready for this split, and he was disappointed, but he does still want to play and will do so elsewhere. Milan are focusing on youth instead.”

Despite that new approach, the Rossoneri are considering a reported €40m offer for El Shaarawy from Manchester City or Napoli.

“That is a lot of money and nowadays funds are very important for the club,” shrugged Gattuso.

“I’d certainly give it some thought with that offer on the table. Milan are moving well and were right to confirm Massimiliano Allegri as Coach.”

Balotelli has rediscovered his scoring touch at Milan, if not necessarily a calm attitude.

“Mario has to learn to count to 30 before reacting, otherwise people will use him. The Italy squad has many young talents now and Cesare Prandelli did well to wipe out the label of catenaccio.”

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