Modena defender Mattia Caldara has opened up about his tumultuous career, focusing on his time at AC Milan and his journey to rediscovering his love for football. In a candid interview with Corriere della Sera (via Calciomercato), Caldara shared insights into his personal struggles and the support that helped him through challenging times.
Caldara spoke warmly about his wife’s unwavering support during his injury-plagued period: “My wife was very close to me, especially during injuries. I was no longer the same person and she suffered for me. Did I fear losing her? I never asked myself that question, not that I take it for granted. She was stronger than me, urging me to examine my conscience. ‘You have to understand what is wrong with you, you have to start from there’. She was the real source of energy.”
Reflecting on his time at Milan, Caldara described it as “the biggest regret of my life.” He recounted the high expectations upon his arrival from Juventus and the series of unfortunate events that derailed his career at the club. “I came from Juventus with Higuain, in two years at Atalanta I had scored 10 goals while making my debut in the national team. The club made us go up on the terrace of Piazza Duomo in front of the fans. How embarrassing, already doing interviews is hard for me.”
Caldara then detailed the injuries that plagued his time at Milan, including a ruptured Achilles tendon and a cruciate ligament injury. These setbacks led to moments of doubt about his career: “Half the time yes, I saw my career almost over. When everyone tells you you’re finished, you convince yourself it’s true. I realised that I shouldn’t push myself, there were certain levels I would never reach again. I had to fight to at least return to playing football.”
Despite the challenges, Caldara never succumbed to depression, crediting his family and a mental coach for his resilience. “I never suffered from depression. I was saved by my family, my parents and Antonio, the mental coach who helped me during the year in La Spezia,” he explained.
Now at Modena, Caldara has found a new lease on his football life. “I have rediscovered the joy of playing. I am a child again, I appreciate not feeling pain, the tension of the pre-match, even the hard work of the training camp that I had not done for years,” he enthused. He praised the support from Modena’s sporting director and the club’s management in helping him overcome his doubts.
