Blog: What a clown!
As Francesco Coco embarks on an acting career, Giancarlo Rinaldi looks back on the left-back’s wasted playing days.
Over the years I have sometimes found myself trying to defend the indefensible in Italian football. My commitment to setting straight some of the stereotypes and prejudices against Serie A have seen me fight its corner with all my heart and soul. But even I have run out of patience with Francesco Coco.
The problem is, you see, that I can remember what this boy was going to be. When he emerged at Milan everybody hoped they had discovered the new Paolo Maldini. As he galloped up the wing from his full-back position, everything about him oozed talent and potential. The manner in which he has failed to deliver has been disappointing in the extreme.
However, while Coco’s career on the field of play has never scaled the heights it should have, he has certainly lived the superstar lifestyle. A string of super-hot WAGs have been seen at his side. There is nothing wrong with that, of course, but you just wish he could have put the same care and attention into his footballing career.
At least George Best, another man who was never short of a beauty on his arm, delivered some sublime sporting moments. Of course Coco was unlikely to be in his class, but he still should have had a good career for his country and a decent spell at a top club. Instead, his football tale is one which was always found wanting at the top level.
He has had more than his fair share of injuries, but you still feel his mind was never really fully concentrated on football. What makes it harder to take is how many people would have killed for a fraction of his ability. Fifty-odd games with Milan, 25 or so with Inter and countless loan spells are a poor return for a player of his class. Retirement at 31-years-old is the icing on the cake.
Apparently, after his flirt with reality TV, the world of cinema awaits. He is reputed to have his sights set on pursuing a career in acting. It may well turn out to be a setting where he finally realises his potential. Certainly, in the world of football, Francesco Coco will always be a story of what might have been.
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