Football Italia reports that Sunderland loanee Emanuele Giaccherini has pledged his loyalty to Italian side Bologna, but winning Euro 2016 will be his season goal.
The 30-year-old midfielder has been a key player in Bologna’s recovery this season, even with only nine appearances he has three goals to his name.
Prior to this weekend’s game against Lazio, the little man has said:
“It’s going to be a very difficult match, but we’ll beat them on Sunday“People here miss [former Coach Stefano] Pioli, but I’ll say this again, we’ll win 2-1 with goals by [Mattia] Destro and [Saphir] Taider. “We’re aiming for more than just escaping the relegation zone. “My personal objective is Euro 2016, but that’s still a long way off. The Azzurri shirt is like a second skin for me. “My future? I want to win Euro 2016 and stay here at Bologna.”
Sunderland signed Giaccherini in July 2013 on a four-year contract, and played 43 games for the Black Cats, along with five goals and some vital assists to help save Sunderland’s 2014-15 season. He also has 21 appearances for his country, scoring three goals over 2013. In 2014 and 2015 he appeared much less for the Azzurri, and with the impact he has made to his club side this season, he will be looking for a spot back in the national setup.
The main question on everyone’s lips: “Does this mean he’ll be returning to Sunderland?” The answer to that is probably not, he unfortunately pretty much said his farewell at the start of the season as stated in this article by the Sunderland Echo. But he was an impressive player for a somewhat poor Sunderland side, and his impact will be missed.
