24/07/2025
🗣️ “I will never forget the day my son was born. Not just because of how important that is for a father, but also because of what Maurizio Sarri did to me.
My wife went to the clinic in the morning on the same day we were playing against Sassuolo in Naples. While we were in a tactical video session, my phone wouldn’t stop vibrating. I had six missed calls from her, so I stepped out to answer quickly. She told me our son’s birth was happening earlier than expected.
So, I went to Maurizio Sarri and said: ‘Sir, I need to leave now. I’m sorry, but my son is about to be born.’ He looked at me and said: ‘No, no, no. I really need you tonight. You can’t leave.’ I insisted: ‘It’s my son’s birth, sir. You can do whatever you want with me. It doesn’t matter.’
The coach was stressed, smoking, thinking, and finally said: ‘Okay. You can go to the clinic, but you have to be back for tonight’s game. I need you.’
I got to the clinic at 1:30 PM. I made it in time to witness my son’s birth. It was the best moment of my life. Then, at 4 PM, Maurizio Sarri called me and told me to come back. My wife needed me, but she still allowed me to go to the stadium.
When I got there, I entered the locker room and saw the coach showing the lineup sheet. I looked for my name and number, but they weren’t there. I said: ‘I hope this is a joke, coach. I left my wife and my son at the clinic because you said you needed me.’ He replied: ‘Yes, I need you, but on the bench.’
Now I look back and can take it calmly. However, at that moment, I wanted to cry out of frustration.”
Kalidou Koulibaly 🇸🇳😑
ECFootball