Alvaro Recoba retraced his career in a long interview given to Flashscore, dedicating ample space to the period spent at Inter. At 50 years old, the former Uruguayan striker looks back without regrets, convinced that regret “is the worst thing.”
On the subject of coaches, Recoba identifies a common thread among the managers who influenced him the most: “Those who influenced me were the coaches who spoke to me directly and always told me the truth.” Among the names mentioned are Simoni, his first coach at Inter, Lippi, Cuper, and Novellino, whom he met at Venezia. A special place is reserved for Gallardo, with whom he worked at the end of his career: “We were almost the same age, so we got along very well.”
The memory of his Milanese experience is full of gratitude. “Inter gave me the chance to make a living from one of my hobbies,” says the former number ten. The club guaranteed him financial stability for his family, new friendships, and contact with a different culture. “Now that I am 50, people still remember me every time I go to Italy and welcome me with great joy. That is what remains,” he adds.
On the issue of alleged injuries that may have limited his performance, Recoba downplays: “I never had serious injuries. I always had minor problems: a hamstring strain, a contracted calf.” He rejects the idea of having wasted superior talent: “I believed I was doing my best. It could have been better, just as it could have been much worse.”
As for goals, the Uruguayan struggles to choose a single memory: “There were so many beautiful goals that it’s hard to pick one,” he says, laughing. In terms of trophies, he mentions the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia, and what he calls “what today would be the Europa League” as unforgettable moments. “I had the privilege of playing for one of the biggest teams in the world,” he concludes.
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