‘Sven requested if I’d wish to play for England – even to be thought-about made me proud, however I don’t assume they actually needed a international participant within the nationwide crew’: Former Premier League star reveals conversations over changing nationality

December 23, 2024

2

Sven-Goran Eriksson had a goalkeeper downside whereas supervisor of England within the 2000s, and it is now been revealed that he tried to get one Premier League star to vary his nationality.

Following the 2002 World Cup, after David Seaman waved goodbye to his worldwide profession and Ronaldinho’s free-kick, Eriksson had David James and Paul Robinson vying for the No.1 spot. Eager on attracting the perfect, although, the Swede contacted Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini in an try to persuade him to pledge his allegiance to England.

The Premiership Goalkeeper of the 12 months in 2002/03, Cudicini discovered it troublesome to even make the Italy squad, not to mention get in as No.1. With Gianluigi Buffon beginning and Francesco Toldo and Christian Abbiati additionally standing in the best way, Cudicini didn’t make a single senior look for the Azzurri.

England needed Carlo Cudicini to change into the goalkeeper

20 Jan 2002: Carlo Cudicini of Chelsea in action during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match against West Ham United played at Stamford Bridge, in London. Chelsea won the match 5-1. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Cudicini in purpose for Chelsea (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)

After 5 years in England, having joined Chelsea in 1999, the FA claimed that Cudicini was now eligible to play for the Three Lions. Sven made contact.

“We had a dialog the place he requested if I’d take into account taking part in for England,” Cudicini tells FourFourTwo.

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson talks to the media in 2001.

Sven needed Cudicini in purpose (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)

“It was an excellent honour, as a result of England are one of many large footballing international locations. It didn’t occur for various causes, however coming from Italy – additionally such an enormous footballing nation – I didn’t really feel it was proper, and I believe there was a sentiment on the opposite facet that they didn’t need a international participant within the nationwide crew.

“So, it was only for a second, however even to be thought-about made me very proud.”

Regardless of the discussions and issues, Cudicini couldn’t have really performed for England. On the time, FIFA stipluated that Cudicini wanted to have held a British passport when he represented Italy on the U16 Euros within the early Nineties, in addition to have obtained 5 years of schooling within the UK earlier than turning 18.

Since neither of these necessities had been met, the Italian goalkeeper wouldn’t have been capable of play for England below Eriksson.

‘Sven requested if I’d wish to play for England – even to be thought-about made me proud, however I don’t assume they actually needed a international participant within the nationwide crew’: Former Premier League star reveals conversations over changing nationality

Related Articles

Quiz! Are you able to inform us the membership these 100 gamers DIDN’T play for?

David Nyika Says He Will “Shock The World” By Beating Jai Opetaia On January eighth

Roll out the welcome mat, please

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Latest Articles

Quiz! Are you able to inform us the membership these 100 gamers DIDN’T play for?

David Nyika Says He Will “Shock The World” By Beating Jai Opetaia On January eighth

Roll out the welcome mat, please

England Girls unveil 2025 Girls’s Ashes squads for Australia tour

Paris Saint-Germain supply profitable phrases to Aston Villa star Jhon Duran