When foreign Premier League stars return home and engage with their native press agencies the results can be hilarious and controversial. In the bulk of cases comments are taken out of context. That seems to be in situation currently afflicting Manchester United’s Federico Macheda who was forced to clarify his Wayne Rooney ‘chav’ comments. Currently on duty with the Italian under-21 team, Macheda’s unhelpful words were reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport and perfunctorily translated by the British press. Prior to this episode numerous rumours had circulated, linking the 19-year old with a loan move to Lazio, where he was a youth player. Should Sir Alex Ferguson allow this young, exciting starlet to return to the Biancazzurri or opt to retain his services for a full season?
Rooney is a ‘chav’ were the headlines from yesterday and accredited to the England striker’s team-mate Macheda. “Rooney is a really great person, he always gives me advice, but he’s a bit of a coatto.” This Roman slang term cannot be directly translated into English but the nearest word is ‘chav.’ Whilst the term can carry negative connotations, the youngster proceeded to proclaim that Rooney was “coatto like me.” He explained, “I said coatto in a Roman way, but with no intention of offending Rooney. I respect him hugely, I wanted to say that for me he is a rough and ready character, truthful.” Nonetheless, being mindful of Rooney’s recent press attention he swiftly contacted club captain Rio Ferdinand to iron out any awkwardness.
On a different topic the forward was asked to speculate on reports associating him with a January return to Serie A side Lazio. “The rumours about Lazio please me but I don’t believe I will go.” Macheda evidently has fond memories for the club he left as a 16-year old. The club president Claudio Lotito had previously branded United shameful for taking advantage of Italy’s stricter labour laws to recruit the player. In Italy a player has to be aged 18 before a professional contract can be offered, compared to 16 in England. A loan move may heal the wounds between the two clubs but do Lazio need him? Eduardo Reja’s team are currently rolling back the years, sitting at the summit of the league after a relegation threatened season last term. Hernanes and Stefano Mauri are scoring and creating opportunities from midfield and the former Birmingham forward Mauro Zarate may have rediscovered his finishing touch.
The Eagles are unlikely to remain in their lofty perch but the interim signing of Macheda could bolster their push for a European place. Everton are allegedly interested too but Ferguson has given no indication that he would sanction such a move. Since scoring with a stunning strike to give United a last minute win at home to Aston Villa in the 2008/09 season, he has been regarded as a special player. He additionally scored another winner at Sunderland, deflecting Michael Carrick’s shot past Craig Gordon, propelling United towards a third successive league title. Since those illuminating performances he has made just 15 appearances for the team. But the talented youngster signed a new deal last December, tying him to Old Trafford until 2014. Known as a natural finisher, the confident striker has excelled for the club’s youth and reserve teams. His movement and clinical style earned him and Javier Hernandez special praise from the manager in pre-season. “To play for a club like this is not just about talent. You need something else and they’ve got something else.”
Having recognised their talent and character, the two combined well in United’s Champions League victory at the Mestalla. The Mexican coolly despatched Macheda’s assist. There is no pressure to aggressively rush his development but the Italian did get a league start at Sunderland last week. In a season where Chelsea appear rampant, a semblance of magic may need to be conjured up by Macheda at some point this term.
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