Interview with Andrea Michelori in the Corriere di Siena

It was one of the most talked about hits this summer, and that’s the only way it could have been. One of the best Italian centers leaves a passionate setting like Caserta and moves to another where the national title symbol will be worn the jersey for another year – that had to cause a stir. Pepsi did what they could to keep him, but Andrea Michelori followed through on his decision.

The new Mensanites admits, "I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t say how displeasing it is to all that I’ve gone through with Juve, but opportunities like this don’t come around every day, so I took it right away. Siena is at the top in both Italy and Europe, but a new, stimulating challenge awaits and I want to prove I’m up for it.”

What was your first thought after officially becoming a Montepaschi player?

"I reflected on the fact that I’m entering to become part of a great team and that I’ll have to give 100% as quickly as possible in order to make myself useful to a team that’s already tested and wining. I’ll need to quickly understand roles and enter into the mechanism.”

Mens Sana, however, is changing faces a little and will give life to a new project. If they aren’t the same battleship they’ve been for the past four years, will you still be satisfied with your decision?

"Of course. Though, after 4 years like that, it’s hard to imagine a breakdown just because a few elements left.  Despite how important those leaving are, we are now dealing with a group that was well thought out, enriched year after year and with lots of excellent bases. As if that weren’t enough, we can rely on management, the technical staff and coaches. The losses will be surmounted – I’m confident.”

Do you have any particular memories related to being a Montepaschi opponent?

"There are plenty, but I want to cite one from last season. At Caserta, we faced the green-and-whites twice as the championship’s second force, and both times we got our behinds whipped. The last time, in particular, we were more motivated than the Sienese, who already had first place and could have already been in playoff mode. Instead, I saw them warlike and focused on every ball, intent on never giving in. But I really liked that. I hope to become like that too.”

You’ve said several times that the secret to your long year was in not responding to a call from the National the summer of 2009 and just resting. Is that the reason you’re not in Bormio now?

"Yes. I talked to Simone Pianigiani, who wanted to bring me on board, and I explained my reasoning. It’s nothing personal; just a decision I made last year that I decided to continue with. Maybe it wasn’t talked about a lot because I hadn’t had a great year, but I decided to end my days with the Nationals jersey.” Michelori in the Corriere di Siena