Bastoni: "I put myself in this situation, but my character and career shouldn't be questioned" | OneFootball

On the eve of Bodø/Glimt vs Inter, the first leg of the Champions League play-offs, Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni spoke at a press conference inside the Aspmyra Stadion, ahead of kick off on Wednesday 18 February at 21:00 CET.

“Good evening everyone. I wanted to give my version of what happened on Saturday night, because I feel it's right to explain how I saw the incident. I exaggerated the fall once I felt contact with Kalulu to try and win a foul, but I have to apologise for my reaction afterwards as it wasn’t nice to see, even if it was very human. I was caught up in the heat and intensity of such an important match. I’m sorry it went that way. I think it’s right to take responsibility, but my character and my career shouldn’t be questioned. I’ve played more than 300 professional matches. I didn’t expect so much noise around it – I’ve seen a lot of hypocrisy and heard people say things that just don’t make sense. I thank those who commented fairly, saying I made a mistake without condemning my character.”

How did you deal with the situation personally?

“On a personal level it hasn’t affected me too much. We’re exposed to this kind of media scrutiny, as the President said, so I'm used to it and I’m capable of handling it. I feel more sorry for my wife and for my daughter, who doesn’t yet understand. Receiving death threats is unacceptable. I feel for her, and also for referee La Penna, who found himself in the same situation — they should not be subjected to this kind of thing.”

How are you mentally? Are you ready to play?

“Mentally I’m very well. The same thing happened the other way round against Liverpool with Wirtz and nobody made a fuss. The coach was the first to tell me at the time that I shouldn’t give the referee a reason to make that call, and he was consistent in what he said about Saturday too, so I thank him for that. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch. I’m not affected mentally or physically — I’m ready to play.”