MILAN - There was football and show business this evening at the Teatro Dal Verme in Milan, where the first edition of the Gran Galà del Calcio AIC (the Italian PFA's awards ceremony) elected the Best Team of the Year, with reference to the 2010/11 season, made up of the eleven footballers with the most votes in each position.
Andrea Ranocchia formed part of the Best Defence along with Christian Maggio, Thiago Silva and Pablo Armero: "I'm training well," the Nerazzurri centre-back said on stage. "In time I'll get more opportunities to play. We've set our sights high, we're doing well and we hope to keep it up in the second half of the season."
Thiago Motta was named in the Best Midfield (tied with Juventus player Claudio Marchisio) and was inevitably asked about his future: "There are eight days left in the transfer window and anything can happen, but I've already spoken to president Moratti and Ranieri, we'll see. Paris? Yes, it's a beautiful city but I'm happy in Milan too. I'll always be grateful to president Moratti and to the Genoa president, who brought me to Italy in a difficult moment. The team and I have made history at Inter. Could I lose my place in the Italy team if I leave? I don't think so but as I said I'm happy at Inter, now we'll see."
