Focus On | Salvatore Cerbone

Verona - In this new episode of Focus On, we get to know Salvatore Cerbone, the new striker of Coach Baroni's side, a little better. From his first steps in football to joining Hellas Verona, Cerbone looks back on the key moments of his development, sharing his emotions after arriving in Gialloblù and the journey that led him to wear these colours.

This episode of Focus On is also available on Hellas Verona Spotify channel.

Welcome to Verona, Salvatore. What are your first impressions as a Hellas Verona player? “First of all, thank you for the welcome. The feeling is incredible. I've found a fantastic environment here, with top-class facilities. My first impressions have been extremely positive.”

What did you feel when you found out about Verona's interest and the chance to make the step up from Serie C to Serie B? “I got goosebumps. I remember when my agent called me and told me I had to come to Verona. Seeing how happy my parents and the rest of my family were was an indescribable emotion.”

Hellas Verona is a Club that has given opportunities to and developed many young players in recent years. How important is this opportunity for you? “It's very important - I'd even say fundamental. I didn't think twice when Verona called because I knew this was a Club that has shown, through its actions, that it believes in developing young players. Here you have the chance to make mistakes, grow and improve, and I think that's the most important thing.”

Tell us about your journey, from your first steps in football to arriving here. “I never came through the youth academy of a professional club. I played for local teams in Naples until I was 16, then I spent six months at Perugia. After that I joined Ascoli's Primavera 2 side, before moving to Casarano. Then Verona came calling.”

At the age of 16 you left home to chase your dream. How difficult was it and how much did it help you grow? “I won't deny that it was difficult. Leaving your home and your routine at 16 changes everything. At first I struggled, but over time I met people my age who shared the same passion, and little by little I settled in.”

Was there a moment when you realised football could become more than just a passion? “Yes, after the play-offs with Casarano. When we reached the quarter-finals people started talking about me, and that was the moment I realised my future could really depend on football.”

Is there someone who has been especially important in your journey and whom you'd like to thank? “Definitely my parents, especially my father. He made so many sacrifices for me, often putting work second so he could dedicate more time to me.”

Tell us about your first professional goal. What did you feel? “When I saw the ball go into the net, it felt as if time stood still for a second. Then I heard the roar of the crowd and my name being chanted by the fans. It was an incredible feeling. I hope to experience it many more times here in Verona. That was the moment I realised I had made it.”

What do you think is your biggest strength as a footballer, and what aspect of your game would you like to improve the most? “My biggest strength is my dribbling. The area where I need to improve the most is my physicality.”

Goals, assists or dribbles: what's your order of preference? “Dribbles, goals and assists.”

You've joined a squad with plenty of young players as well as experienced ones. How are you settling in? “At first it wasn't easy, but the lads have been fantastic. I was lucky to find a group that helped me settle in straight away. I've already built a great friendship with Perilli and Suslov, one that goes beyond football.”

Looking back one day, what would you like to be proud of? “Simply of myself.”

Who is Salvatore away from football? What do you enjoy doing in your free time? “I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I don't really have a particular hobby. When I'm at home, I like watching TV series or films. I'm quite a calm and easy-going person.”

What's your favourite film and TV series? “I'd say The Lord of the Rings as my favourite film, and Stranger Things as my favourite TV series.”

Is there an athlete or footballer who inspires you the most? “I really admire Kenan Yıldız because I hope to reflect both his style of play and the way he carries himself.”

Is there one of your tattoos that means the most to you? “The eye of my sister, her date of birth, and the birth date of my best friend.”

If you could speak to the young Salvatore who dreamed of becoming a footballer, what would you say to him? “I'd simply tell him to keep enjoying himself and to always remain the wonderful person he is.”

Would you like to send a message to the Gialloblù fans? “Hello, Gialloblù fans! I hope to see you all at the stadium very soon. Forza Verona!”