Quagliarella: "Stalked for 8 years by police friend, I'd be a painter" | OneFootball

Fabio Quagliarella opens up in an interview with Corriere della Sera, shedding light on his private life, the fears he has faced, and the deep bond with his family that has shaped his career.

Quagliarella: "Eight years of stalking by a police officer friend, I would have been a painter like my father"

The Stabiese centre-forward, known today for his discretion and discipline, explains how his partner Debora Salvalaggio has helped him regain lightness:

"Debora has been putting up with me for years and supports me. Thanks to her, I have regained some lightness. I experience emotions discreetly, I don't like being the centre of attention."

Despite his current serenity, Quagliarella admits to having become wary and attentive to his surroundings.

The bond with his father and roots

The relationship with his father Vittorio, who passed away almost a year ago, played a crucial role in his growth:

"He was an absolute reference point, the only one I really trusted. I miss him a lot."

Fabio also recalls his early days as a youngster in Turin, far from his family in Castellammare di Stabia:

"Every night I called dad to say I wanted to go back. I cried. He just told me: 'If you decide tomorrow, consider that I'm already there to pick you up'."

And his first professional salary reminded him of his father's sacrifice:

"One million and six hundred thousand lire, my first contract with Toro. My father was a painter and he didn't see that money in a year. I would have been a painter like him, if I hadn't become a footballer."

Eight years of stalking

The most painful story Quagliarella shares is about the stalker who pursued him for eight years:

"Traumatizing, painful. Packages of letters at my parents' house remind me of what I went through. He was a family friend, a postal police officer by trade. Dad found out who he was: he collected all the letters in one room, more than a meter high. This story changed our lives."

The threats were serious and also targeted his family:

"He accused me of pedophilia, of being involved with the Camorra, drugs and football betting. Once he left a coffin with my photo under my house. He tried to destroy my career and ruined my transfer to Napoli."

A man forged by challenges

Despite the difficulties, Quagliarella emerges as an example of resilience: his career and private life show how discipline, family ties and the support of those close to him can face even the most painful trials.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.