One billion . This is the sci-fi figure that the lawyer had promised him, together with the possibility of fighting again for that Ballon d'Or which had escaped by a handful of votes in previous years.
At Cagliari, back from an eighth place far from the tricolor glories, a check with as many zeros plus technical counterparts. Not the first ones to pass by, by the way. Big names, such as Bettega , Gentile , Cuccureddu . No way.
Because on 14 July 1973 , exactly 50 years ago, Gigi Riva declined the offer from Juventus , and probably the new turning point that his career would take, to stay in Sardinia. A choice in some ways inexplicable, but motivated by a very strong bond established with his adopted land and his Cagliari.
Over the years, Thunderclap would later speak often of that decision, with feelings that fluctuated between gratitude and an affection that today, half a century later, still makes him a legend.
(Unioneonline/L.Ne.)
