Gattuso: 'I was born ready!'

By Football Italia staff

Gennaro Gattuso accepted comedy gifts after replacing Vincenzo Montella at Milan. “I was born ready. In fact, I was two months premature.”

The former midfielder was promoted from the role of Primavera youth team Coach to the main job on Monday after Montella’s dismissal.

After his Press conference, he spoke to Italian comedy show Le Iene.

“I’m calm now, but not for long,” he smiled.

“It’s a very difficult task ahead.”

They gave him joke gifts, including binoculars and rock-climbing equipment to get back up the table, and a warm coat because Milan were -18 from leaders Napoli.

“If you really do give me these, I’ll take them with me on to the bench, you know… I was born ready – in fact, I was born two months premature.”

Asked where Montella had gone wrong, Gattuso insisted: “He didn’t go wrong as such, but at times you need time and also good fortune. When 10-12 new players arrive, you will need some time. I tip my hat to him for his approach to life and work.”

Montella was criticised for choosing 23 different line-ups in 23 games. “I want to set the record with 24-25,” smiled Gattuso.

“(Former President Silvio) Berlusconi called me, it was a very cordial conversation and I was very happy. (Current owner Yonghong Li) also called me and we’ll meet soon to speak face-to-face.”

Le Iene then made Gattuso repeat a phrase in Chinese that he thought meant ‘Forza Milan.’ When informed it meant ‘Forza Inter’ instead, he playfully slapped the two interviewers.

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