Piccini's Valencia regret: 'Both times I left... I made a mistake'
Former Valencia and Betis defender Cristiano Piccini opens up about his career choices, injury nightmare, and continued love for Los Che in candid interview.
The Italian full-back who captured Mestalla hearts despite never reaching hero status reflects on his career choices with refreshing honesty.
Career cut short
Cristiano Piccini, retired at just 31, speaks with striking candour about his football journey that saw him leave the game ‘ten minutes ago’ as he puts it. The former Valencia and Betis defender isn’t your typical ex-pro hiding behind media-trained responses.
Currently working with Dutch-based Estrella Football Group helping acquire lower-league clubs across Europe, Piccini maintains the physique of an active player – demolishing chicken and sweet potato during our chat while looking absolutely hench.
The Valencia love affair
“Valencia is my great footballing love,” Piccini confesses, explaining why he’s chosen to make the city his permanent home after retirement. It’s where he experienced both his greatest triumph – winning the Copa del Rey – and his darkest moment when his knee “exploded” in what became a two-and-a-half-year nightmare.
That catastrophic injury changed everything for a player who was in the form of his life:
- Starting regularly for Valencia
- Called up to the Italian national team
- Copa del Rey winner
“I cried a lot,” he admits about the injury period. “You ask yourself why it happens to you at 26, when you’re at your best moment.”
The Huesca moment
Ask any Valencia fan about Piccini and they’ll likely mention his dramatic last-gasp winner against Huesca – a moment that gives supporters goosebumps to this day.
“That goal saved the manager and saved me too,” Piccini reflects. Coming after a difficult period personally, it sparked his best six-month spell at the club across league, cup and European competition.
The Valencia regrets
When asked if leaving Valencia was a mistake, Piccini doesn’t hesitate: “Yes, twice.”
His first departure to Atalanta came when he wasn’t physically ready, with promises unfulfilled. He returned to Valencia, sacrificing six months’ salary in the process. His second exit to Red Star Belgrade was purely financial – a decision he reversed after just six months, tearing up a lucrative contract to play in Germany for significantly less money but rediscovering his love for the game.
Valencia’s struggles
On Valencia’s current situation, Piccini offers a balanced view: “It’s sad to see the situation, but I don’t think the blame lies with the players or the manager. The problem comes from above.”
He appreciates the stadium development for its potential to generate revenue but hopes those funds will eventually be invested in the team. And would he return to Valencia in a sporting role? “Honestly, I couldn’t say no.”
As for playing again? Despite being in peak physical condition, he’s sticking with retirement – with two potential exceptions: “If Sampdoria or Valencia call me, I’d go tomorrow for free, without thinking about it.”