From Flying Kiwis. Papa John getting up earlier to watch his son. Also he's signed a new 2 year deal through to 2025
Niko Kirwan: “Today is a beautiful day. It was wonderful to come back after seven months, the choir and the applause when I entered the field gave me goosebumps and gave me an extra charge. I don't know how to thank the fans, really. When the coach called me for me it was an emotional moment. I have to thank everyone, my teammates and also the crowd who made me feel his warmth today before going on, then I concentrated on my job on the pitch.
I thank Andrea Schiavo, a great professional and great person who has been close to me throughout this period as well as obviously all the doctors, physiotherapists and all those who have helped me in such a long and difficult journey. Now I hope to be able to give my contribution, I train hard to be ready when called upon and to lend a hand to my teammates. I am delighted to be back and to have given my contribution to this victory. I believe a lot in this group. Winning helps to win, we are improving: we have to believe in it until the end, it is important to stay on track and react to the difficulties as we did today, with this mentality and this spirit we can go far.
My family woke up at 2 in the morning to watch the game and my return to the field, we spoke before the game, now they will be sleeping, I will hear from them when they wake up tomorrow.”
NP can be a judge of his Italian. Presumably a Northern accent?
https://youtu.be/PCBMu_mTEvg
Also, confirmation that he signed a new deal while he was out injured...
Niko Kirwan: “Today is a beautiful day. It was wonderful to come back after seven months, the choir and the applause when I entered the field gave me goosebumps and gave me an extra charge. I don't know how to thank the fans, really. When the coach called me for me it was an emotional moment. I have to thank everyone, my teammates and also the crowd who made me feel his warmth today before going on, then I concentrated on my job on the pitch.
I thank Andrea Schiavo, a great professional and great person who has been close to me throughout this period as well as obviously all the doctors, physiotherapists and all those who have helped me in such a long and difficult journey. Now I hope to be able to give my contribution, I train hard to be ready when called upon and to lend a hand to my teammates. I am delighted to be back and to have given my contribution to this victory. I believe a lot in this group. Winning helps to win, we are improving: we have to believe in it until the end, it is important to stay on track and react to the difficulties as we did today, with this mentality and this spirit we can go far.
My family woke up at 2 in the morning to watch the game and my return to the field, we spoke before the game, now they will be sleeping, I will hear from them when they wake up tomorrow.”
NP can be a judge of his Italian. Presumably a Northern accent?
https://youtu.be/PCBMu_mTEvg
Also, confirmation that he signed a new deal while he was out injured...
More from NK: “I promise to the fans that I will always give 100%, as I did in this recovery. I renewed with Padova until 30 June 2025, I'm very happy and proud. In the summer a couple of teams had looked for me, then I got hurt, but Padova kept their promise to renew my contract, which does them great honour. I was delighted and signed right away.”