Gennaro Gattuso
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Gennaro 'Rino' Ivan Gattuso (born January 9 1978 in Corigliano Calabro) is an Italian international football player. His position is in the midfield. He currently plays for A.C. Milan, with whom he won the UEFA Champions League in the season 2002/2003 and "Lo Scudetto" in the 2003/04 season.
Gattuso started his career at the Italian side Perugia, but transferred in July 1997 at the age of 19 to the Scottish team Rangers. Gattuso won the admiration fo Rangers fans while in Glasgow, and his 'ultra-aggressive' playing technique has been put down to the training he received there. He also credits the one-time Rangers manager Walter Smith as a great influence, and describes him as a 'second father'.
Smith's successor as Rangers' manager, Dick Advocaat, did not prefer Gattuso in the team. After playing him 'out-of-position' as a right-back, Gattuso was sold in October 1998 to Salernitana for £3m.
Milan spent £8m on Gattuso 10 months later. His footballing ability has since improved since moving to a more pass-orientated Milan side. The current high profile Gattuso now enjoys is due to his time at Milan and his participation as part of the Italian national squad. He has been capped over 20 times for his coutnry and played in the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004.
Gattuso still has links to Glasgow after marrying long-time girlfriend Paula Romano whom he met while in the city.
External links
- (Glasgow) Herald article on Gattuso (http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/34155.html#)de:Gennaro Gattuso