The iconic Italian number 8 will retire from sport at the end of the season. Having played one last match with Italy?
The former captain of Italy Sergio Parisse, emblematic player of the Stade Français Paris then of RC Toulon, will play his last season in the Top 14, he announced this Friday to AFP. The third international line (142 selections), who will be 38 years old on Sunday, does not want “do not pull on the rope too much. Especially at the physical level because mentally, I feel very freshAfter a series of physical glitches last season. He joined Toulon in 2019 after fourteen years at the Stade Français.
And to add: “Everyone knows their body and knows what they can do. I knew I had the mental and physical strength to make a final season. It was also a discussion with the club. At 38, there are questions that arise. With the club, we all agreed it was a good decision. Now it’s up to me to have fun with every game. ”
I mentioned my wish to train. I am starting my state diploma. I want to improve myself, to learn and why not one day to train here in Toulon
Sergio Parisse
The question now is whether the famous number 8 will play a last match, a jubilee, with the Nazionale. He had planned to say his international farewell at the 2019 World Cup in Japan, against the All Blacks. But a typhoon had caused the cancellation of this gala match. He then postponed his farewell, requested, and obtained, from the coach a jubilee in Rome against England during the Six Nations Tournament. A match … postponed by the Covid-19 epidemic. His last match therefore dates back to October 4, 2019 and a 49-3 setback against the Springboks, future world champions.
A jubilee with the Italian team?
Does he still want this last match with the Nazionale? “It would be a great ending to be able to play again in front of the Italian public. But it’s not an obsession. I am in contact with the new president and the new coach. There is also a desire on the part of the Italian leaders to give me the chance to make one last match.», insists Parisse, assuring that “records don’t interest me ”.
What about his future? “I have a year of playing contract here. And, from experience, you shouldn’t look too far. I mentioned my wish to train. I am starting my state diploma. I want to improve myself, to learn and why not one day to train here in Toulon ”, he confides. “It was mentioned to take more responsibilities in the sideline sector. (…) I will also work with the Hopes and Crabos on a project to have the same common thread on the sideline and that the young people are used to it. to work in a certain way when they join the professionals. ”
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