“I wanted to be present at the procession organized by the Cosenza Calcio fans because I believe it is the duty of a Mayor to stand by his community in the most significant moments of city life, especially when it expresses its thoughts in a civil, democratic and peaceful way”. This is what Franz Caruso said on the sidelines of the peaceful demonstration promoted last night by the organized rossoblù supporters, which crossed the main streets of the city centre.
“The initiative represented much more than a sporting protest – continued the First Citizen -. Thousands of fans, citizens, young people and enthusiasts gathered in Piazza Kennedy to give life to an orderly and composed procession that asked for respect for their football team and for a prestigious sporting tradition. The great popular participation confirmed that Cosenza is not just a football team, but an identity symbol that unites generations and represents the sense of belonging of an entire territory.
I appreciated the composure of the organized support and the climate of absolute civility that characterized the entire initiative. This is the best way to make your voice heard and to claim the right to a different future for Cosenza football.”
“My position on Cosenza Calcio has been known for some time and has never changed – explained Franz Caruso – I have always maintained that an important city like Cosenza, with its history, its sporting tradition and its extraordinary heritage of popular passion, deserves a strong, authoritative club, rooted in the territory and capable of planning with ambition. I have always believed that football represents a collective good and that the red and blue colors belong to the community even before any property.
For this reason, I consider the request that emerges from all the fans and the entire community to open a new phase as legitimate. We need an awareness on the part of society and those who have responsibility for it today. We need to understand that the bond between Cosenza and its people cannot be ignored or mortified.”
“The message that came from the streets of the city center last night was strong, clear and unequivocal – concluded Franz Caruso – Cosenza wants to dream again, wants to be a protagonist again and demands a sporting project that lives up to its expectations.
As Mayor I will continue to be alongside the fans, the community and all those who, with passion and a sense of belonging, fight for the good of Cosenza Calcio. Because Cosenza is us.”