"I'd like to stay at the club to help build something, to bring the experience I've gained over my years as a player, not just at Cagliari, to young people and to players in general. But I'll think about it when I retire; I'm still a player now." Leonardo Pavoletti is now an established Cagliari native, so much so that he's starting to imagine his role once his career is over. Last night, the Rossoblu captain was the guest of honor at Costa Rei: an evening where the number 30 spoke with journalist Lele Casini, and in addition to recounting his career, he also outlined his future plans.
"When I retire, I want to help people understand what Cagliari is all about. I think it's important when you arrive in a city to understand where you're coming from, because every context is different and has its own unique characteristics," Number 30 thinks. " I'd like to play this role as a go-between, an example for newcomers, a link between the values of Cagliari, of Sardinia, and those who will come to us. Leave? I won't be moving my wife, Elisa, anymore : we've been together for 18 years, we became parents here, we got married, we have friendships built over these nine years, and the children are making their first friendships that they'll carry with them forever."
During the evening, Pavoletti was cheered on by the many in attendance and even interacted directly with them. His thoughts repeatedly returned to June 12, 2023, and to that 94th-minute goal in Bari that secured Cagliari's promotion to Serie A. " I wanted to play that match, I wanted to return to Serie A, and when I didn't come on, I was even angry, but luckily it went very well . Ranieri knew it had to go that way: he had prepared it that way, 0-0 until the final minutes and then the decisive blow." A memorable match, with the triumph, however, well underway before the 94th minute: "I remember the night before Bari, in the hotel, no one had any doubts that we would win that match. No one thought Ranieri would field that lineup: it was astonishing, we played very well with some guys who had played less than others up until that point."
Among the many moments he recalled, not only Bari, but also his arrival at the Rossoblu in 2017 ("I had to choose between Cagliari and Spain, I had no doubts") and his captivation with the national team—with a goal—in 2019 ("A moment shared with Barella and Cragno"), up until the bitter days of relegation in 2022 and injuries. And right now, Pavoletti is recovering from surgery on his left knee, which he underwent in May . "My knee is doing better, I'm working to be ready after the break and return to the group. Let's hope so, let's not get too high, let's work calmly and see how my knee and body respond."
Because Pavoletti, in what should be his final year of career, wants to be a key player again: "The enthusiasm is the same as always, the desire to play and be ready is always strong. Of course, it depends on your physique and age, but you can help the team off the pitch too, and I try to do that every day with the help of my teammates, the coach, and the staff."