Lorenzo Mezzotero, who has been called up to our U-21 national team from Sampdoria U-19, gave an interview to Offsideplus.az.

The footballer, who lived in Azerbaijan with his family from 2014 to 2020, played for the Neftçi Football Academy between 2016 and 2020. The 17-year-old forward has recorded 13 goals and 2 assists in 31 matches this season. 

We present the interview with Lorenzo:

– Lorenzo, what did it mean for you to receive a call-up from the Azerbaijan U21 national team?  

–  To receive my first ever call up to the Azerbaijan U21 National Team means a lot to me. I grew up in Azerbaijan, so for me it is a privilege and a big honour to represent this country. I am very excited and proud to be called up and i can’t wait to get started.

– How was the process of you being invited to Azerbaijani U21 NT? 

– It was a long process but in the end the federation made it happen. So I thank them a lot and appreciate all their support.

–  Do you see yourself representing Azerbaijan at senior level one day?

–  Yes, of course I see myself representing Azerbaijan on a senior level one day. Now I am thinking about the present and doing well in this camp, but I will keep working hard to achieve all my dreams, and then we will see what the future will bring.

– Was it an easy decision for you to accept the Azerbaijan U21 invitation?

–  For me it was a very easy decision to accept the U21 Azerbaijan national team. I have always wanted to represent Azerbaijan and I think that now was the perfect time to get called up.

– We know your father worked in Azerbaijan for a quite time. How do your family and friends feel about your connection with Azerbaijan?
– ⁠My family really loves Azerbaijan, my parents, my brother and i have many friends in Baku. I also go to Azerbaijan on vacation in the summer to see all my friends, it’s a place that will always hold a special place in my family’s heart. We love Azerbaijan.

– You spent part of your youth career at Neftchi Football Academy. What are your memories from that period?

– My memories playing for Neftchi PFK are amazing. I spent wonderful years playing there, winning league titles and scoring many goals. I have a very good connection with all the Neftchi people and also the fans. They are part of my heart and always will be!

– Do you still follow Azerbaijani football today?

– Yes, I do still follow Azerbaijani football. Sometimes I go on football apps to check some scores, especially Neftchi’s scores because they are the club I grew up in.

– This season you had impressive numbers with goals and assists. How would you rate your own performance?

– I think that I had a good season this year, I scored, I assisted, I played very wel. I will keep working hard to get even better.

– We would like to know you better. How would you describe your playing style? Which position do you feel most comfortable in?

⁠– I am a Number 9, that is my position since I started playing football. I love scoring goals but also playing for my team, assisting and winning games.

– Which footballers inspired you growing up?

– My favourite footballer has always been the Brazilian Ronaldo Nazario (Fenomeno), and another one of my favourites and one that I admire a lot is Paulo Dybala.

– What is your biggest dream in football?

– My biggest dream in football is to be the best footballer in the world. To make my whole family proud of me.

– What would it mean to debut for UC Sampdoria first team?

 ⁠– I am working every day to get called up to debut with the UC Sampdoria first team. I am thinking of the present and when the chance arrives, I will be ready for it.

– Last question, do you still know any Azerbaijani words or phrases?

– Yes, I do speak some Azerbaijani. I have to get used to speaking with my teammates again, and then everything will get a lot easier.