A special birthday coming. Carlo Recalcati, for all “Charlie”, will cut an important milestone tomorrow: the legend of Basket Canturino and Italian turns 80.
A birthday that the former player, coach and technical commissioner will celebrate with the closest relatives and friends.
And, precisely from some of them, the first greeting messages arrive, obviously linked to special memories.
Roberto Allievi, president of Basketball Cantù, tells his friendship with Recalcati: «We know each other since the 1960s, he came to train in Cantù from Milan, and then go home: it is the demonstration that we do not become great champions without great sacrifices. I traveled with him a long common road, when he was a player, then coach and, above all as a friend. In 1970, when my father became the owner of Cantù, he agreed to remain at a content compensation, to give life to the great project entrusted to Taurisano, who then led us to the Cologne final. He was gone, but it was one of the architects. ” Students also recalls the separation: «As a coach, he left Cantù: a farewell that left no aftermath. Friendship is never over. And he won a lot, with my great joy: his story as a coach started from Cantù. A big hug to Carlo for his 80 years ».
Recalcati had (and has) a great relationship with Ciccio della Fiori: «He is the older brother I have never had. We played together with Cantù and in the national team for twelve years, in the 70s we lived in front door and I am the baptism godfather of his daughter Sara. Carlo was one of the most important people in my journey ». The attendance continues, of course: «On Tuesday and Thursday we see each other in the pastry shop, often we go out for dinner together and shoot the usual” bullshit “, because we are eternal Peter Pan. Best wishes Carlo, go on like this: you are our point of reference, our leader. If I had passed the ball more, you would have been even more friend … mythical Charlie! ».
Another legend Canturina such as Pier Luigi Marzorati could not be missing: «When I arrived with others in the first team after the junior championship, I did a lot of bench -recalls the” pierlo ” -: he was the play. Not being able to pull more as once, he advised Taurisano to make me play, so he could have returned to his original role. I found out thirty years later … “. That “recommendation” was decisive: «Everything started from there. He did not want them to go, otherwise he would have touched him to play the play … Seriously, we are talking about a real symbol of Italian basketball: he won the Olympic silver, Scudetti. I consider it an heir to Taurisano, as well as a person of great human thickness. Best wishes Carlo, stay healthy, because we will have to organize something for the 90s … ».
Also for Antonello Riva, Recalcati was a point of reference: «With flowers and Meneghel it was a model that directed my career. I was young, I was on the report, but I didn’t play. In a game of the cup I entered and Carlo did everything to get me the first shot of his career: I had yes and no 15 years old. As a coach, in his years in Cantù, he transformed me from the young man of beautiful hopes, to the player who must take responsibility. And then there is the human side: you can only love it. Best wishes for your 80 years, a big hug from the heart ».
