Ex-Serie A star reveals why he was concerned about Real Madrid transfer | OneFootball

Former Udinese star Gaetano D’Agostino reveals he was ’99.’9%’ a Real Madrid player in 2009, but he was concerned by the obligatory ball juggle during his unveiling.

The former Italy international was on the verge of joining Real Madrid from Udinese in 2009.

The ex-midfielder was told that he had a “99.9%” chance to join the Merengues.

Ex-Serie A star reveals why he was concerned about Real Madrid transfer

“My biggest concern was the unveiling,” he told Radio Serie A.

“I had to juggle the ball in front of 30,000 people. What if I dropped it? I wasn’t thinking about Real Madrid—I was only thinking about the unveiling because my mind was completely overwhelmed.

“I called my wife to tell her to pack the bags. She asked, ‘Why?’ And I said, ‘I don’t know, just pack them. We have to leave.’

During his career, D’Agostino played for several top-flight Italian clubs, including Roma, Bari, Messina, Udinese, Fiorentina, Siena and Pescara.

The former midfielder made 237 Serie A appearances, scoring 28 goals.

D’Agostino represented Italy across various age levels on the international stage, from the Azzurri U16 to the senior squad. He earned five caps for the senior squad, making his debut in 2009 under Marcello Lippi.

D’Agostino retired in 2016 after one season at Lupa Roma in Serie C, Italy’s third division.

He has become a coach, but he’s been without a club since 2022 after being sacked by Serie C club Vibonese.