«Salerno it’s my regret: there I was forced to stop playing football. But it also remains a beautiful parenthesis. I remember it every time I look in the mirror». On Ivan’s chest Radovanovic he is tattooed with a portrait that is one of the iconic moments of the era Iervolino: ending of Salernitana-Udinese of May 24, 2022, while waiting for news from Venice, a smoke bomb arrives on the Arechi lawn. The Serbian midfielder collects it. The result is a photo full of feeling and passion, so much so that it also gives life to the “Brigata Radovanovic”. It seems like a lifetime ago. Now he is a coach by profession. And he never misses an opportunity to send a message to Stefano Colantuono: «If the club and the coach want my support, I’m there». The story, however, starts from the still open wound of that painful farewell in February 2023, with the transfer to Cagliari falling on the gong and the club’s decision to exclude him from the squad. Davide Nicola. It will even get to the Arbitration Panel. «Iervolino is a decent person but I was disappointed by him».
Ivan Radovanovic, has he explained why this sudden change of owner of Salernitana?
Iervolino invested a lot to save Salernitana not only from its possible disappearance but also from a sporting point of view. Many choices have been right in the past. But I was disappointed by him. He’s a good person. I understood it when we spoke to each other often, between men and not from president to footballer. I would never have thought that I, as well as other protagonists of that sporting undertaking, would be kicked out by others without even a hint of gratitude.
Do you give him responsibility?
Only one: that of having trusted the wrong people. I, like others, could still have stayed in Salerno. Personally, I also imagined starting my post-career career there. And instead, we senators were not defended but swept away without any sign of respect or memory. We could be of help with the many young people present. But there were choices made by some who then sent this team to Serie B. The locker room was deliberately divided. Now it is normal that Iervolino is disappointed, he wants to try to recover part of the investments made.
#Colantuono #square #rise
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Expressed his appreciation for your contributions to the team. How do you feel about the relationship you have with him and the possibility of collaborating in the future?
World-Today-News: Hello Ivan, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Let’s begin by discussing the unexpected change of ownership at Salernitana. Can you explain how you felt about it and what your thoughts were on the new management’s decision to exclude you and other senior players from the squad?
Ivan Radovanovic: Hi, it’s my pleasure. Honestly, I was quite disappointed by the new management’s decision to exclude us senior players from the squad. We had all played a significant role in helping the club stay in Serie A last season, and it felt like that hard work and dedication were not being recognized. I believe the new owner should have listened to our opinions and possibly considered using our experience to help guide the younger players through the transition. Instead, we were treated like outsiders.
World-Today-News: Do you think the new owner should be held responsible for this decision?
Ivan Radovanovic: I believe that the new owner made a mistake in trusting the wrong people. He invested a lot in saving Salernitana, and some people took advantage of that. Instead of respecting our contributions and potentially using us as mentors for the younger players, we were simply dismissed without any explanation. It’s unfortunate, but now they have to live with the consequences of their choices.
World-Today-News: Moving on, you mentioned that you envisioned starting your post-playing career in Salerno. Can you tell us more about this and how it feels to see the team struggle without you and your teammates?
Ivan Radovanovic: I had always imagined starting my coaching career in Salerno because of the strong bond I felt with the club and the fans. It’s heartbreaking to see them struggle without the players who were key to their survival last season. It’s a situation that no one could have predicted. Nevertheless, I’m glad to see the club trying to bounce back and regain their place in Serie A. I would still be more than willing to support them if called upon, but it seems like that opportunity won’t arise anytime soon.
World-Today-News: Speaking of support, you recently sent a message to Stefano Colantuono, the manager who publicly
