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Matteo Darmian’s story is very much one that all youngsters dream about when they begin to kick a ball about in their backyard and then for their local parish, where they spend the whole day playing football. It was in Rescaldina, in the Province of Milan, that Matteo started to feel a deep connection to the ball. This was also accompanied by the strong and fundamental principles that he’s always followed, both during his career and in life. Through his enjoyment and love for the sport, Matteo has learned the values of honesty, loyalty and teamwork.

Wherever he went, a ball was at his feet, including in the house: much to the desperation of his grandmother, a number of vases were broken. But once he was out on the pitch with his teammates, Matteo always performed in an exemplary manner: he was dedicated, he was diligent, he was tenacious.

He had this willpower inside him, and this led to him making his Serie A debut early on: born in Legnano on 2 December 1989, he first took to the pitch in the Italian top flight for Milan at the age of 17. His journey then took him to three different clubs in Italy, allowing him to nuture his talents: Padova in Serie B, Palermo and then, most significantly, Torino. While wearing the Granata shirt, Darmian showed what he was all about: versatile, effective, a point of reference. A real top performer in Serie A.

In 2015, Darmian joined English club Manchester United. It was time to win trophies, it was time for him to show that it’s possible for a young lad to start out in their local parish and reach the heights of Old Trafford. His spell in England saw him win the FA Cup, the Community Shield, the League Cup and the Europa League. Four memorable and unforgettable seasons before he returned to Serie A with Parma.

But that’s not all: that youngster with those dreams managed to play for his country too: Darmian was a starter for Italy at the 2014 World Cup and 2016 European Championship, with Matteo playing under Antonio Conte during the latter. During his career, he has played 36 times for Italy, scoring once.