Rob Mason searches for players from the past for Red & White and our Club Historian has tracked down Italian international Fabio Borini, who scored for Sunderland at Wembley a decade ago this week.
R&W: You put Sunderland ahead in the Capital One Cup final 10 years ago this week, how do you remember that goal?
FB: I remember it as if it was yesterday because it was one of those goals that can never leave your memory because of the occasion and the calibre of the opponents. I also remember it because of the situation the club was in at that moment because we weren’t going through a great time. The cup final helped us to survive, and people keep reminding me of that goal every time I come to Sunderland.
R&W: No doubt you’ll be reminded of that goal whenever you come to Sunderland for the rest of your life…
FB: Well at least I have a place to go where I’ll always be remembered.
R&W: A re-run of the 90 minutes of that final provides a reminder of how well Sunderland played that day. What are your memories of the game?
FB: We did play well, especially considering that we had Manchester City in front of us. We went into the match with the desire to win the game, not just to sit it out. Obviously, it ended up 3-1 of course with a late goal and because of the big players that they had who switched on and changed the game, but it wasn’t an underdog performance by us. It was the performance of a team who wanted to grab the trophy at the end. As players and as fans we can remember that day well and know we put every effort into trying to win.
R&W: Your first goal Sunderland was in a win over Newcastle, and you also scored a penalty in a win at St. James’. What was it like to play in the derby?
FB: It is the game that you wait for at the beginning of the season. I remember looking at the fixtures and wanting to know when the derbies were. To play those games is not just extra motivation. Those are the games which shows you what it really means to the people of Sunderland. I suppose it is likewise on the other side. I always say it is the best derby in England because of that. It means a lot more.
The man for the big occasion... 🇮🇹🤩
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 26, 2020
Watch Fabio Borini's most memorable moments for #SAFC in today's flashback⚡ 📺👇
R&W: Under Gus Poyet when SAFC had the ‘miracle’ escape season in 2013-14 you scored in four of the last five games. How do you look back on that dramatic run?
FB: I think it is something that comes from within myself and other players because you know when the team needs you and needs big performances from everybody really. You push yourself and push the others at the same time. I didn’t do that at just that period but if I can relate a moment from Sampdoria this season, I felt similar and managed to score five in four. I think I swim well in difficult waters!
R&W: You scored in four different games for Sunderland against your first English club, Chelsea. Did you have a point to prove or was it just coincidence?
FB: A bit of both maybe. I love Chelsea. They are still one of the clubs I check the results of and what their form is. I’d give everything back to Chelsea because they formed me as a player, and as a human being as well. The four years I spent at Chelsea were very important for me. Scoring those four goals against them is coincidence yes, but maybe there was a bit of extra motivation as well. A little bit of everything because I had so many emotions playing against them.
R&W: You have played more games for Sunderland than any of your other clubs so how do you think of the club and its supporters?
FB: It felt good playing every single game for the club because I don’t want to sound mean but we were the underdog. We always had to fight to survive in the Premier League. Every game was a fight. When you embrace that mood then you create a bond that stays with you for a long time. That’s why I came back to see the derby because of the bond I created in my time at the club and I wanted to be there to support the Lads.
R&W: Having played for some of the biggest clubs in Italy and England as well as playing in Turkey, what have been the highlights for you?
FB: Playing for AC Milan for an Italian is like an English person playing for Man United. That has to be a highlight of my career. People will always know that you played for AC Milan. I did well so it was a great experience. Turkey was a different experience when I scored my highest number of goals in one season (19). England gave me a lot so I’ve taken something from everywhere to be fair.
R&W: How are you enjoying being back in Italy with Sampdoria?
FB: It’s very good. Maybe it’s maturity but myself and my family never took such a small time to be in line with the club. The football is good. The league position isn’t what we want it to be but they rely on me to take the club back to Serie A. I like the responsibility and that weight on my shoulders because I know I can deal with it. It’s all positive.
R&W: Do you know Sampdoria once played at the Stadium of Light in a testimonial for Kevin Ball?
FB: Oh wow I didn’t know that. We need to organise another one. I’d love to play at the Stadium of Light again. I need to ring Kevin and tell him to organise a re-match!