Domenico Criscito’s career meets perfect ending at Genoa

When Domenico Criscito returned to Genoa some months ago after a spell at Toronto, he made it clear that he was going to take his childhood club back to Serie A and that is how he was going to end his football career. The former Azzurri defender also made it clear that he had returned to Genoa out of his immense love for the club and he was earning the minimum living wage in Italy, showcasing how much the Ligurian outfit means to him.

Last night, the perfect ending unfolded. With Genoa having sealed promotion to the Serie A already and with the scoreline against Bari at 3-3, Il Grifone had a last ditch spot-kick to seal three points. Up stepped Criscito and charted the ending he would have dreamt of all his life, helping his side pick up a 4-3 win. 

The defender has always had spells away from Genoa but like every prodigal son, he has always come back. He came back to the club after a spell with Juventus didn’t go his way and also returned following a fruitful stint with Zenit. For a brief moment last season, it seemed as if his lovestory with Genoa was going to come to an unfulfilling end. The Italian had a falling out with manager Alexander Blessin and his penalty miss against Sampdoria last season compounded Genoa’s relegation fears.

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But just when many thought that his Genovese tale would end, he returned once again after the spell with Toronto and his words after the win over Bari will ring in the ears of Genoa fans for a long time. The veteran read out an emotional parting letter to the Grifone faithfuls and it ended with him saying: “Dear football, I love you. Dear Genoa, I love you.”

Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN