One day he will tell his grandchildren about that crazy goal he scored at San Siro against Milan, in one of the most prestigious stadiums in Italy. But who knows, in the same story, there may also be room for an away match for Eccellenza, for an edgy match and perhaps for a free kick capable of giving Messina a fundamental victory. Because Oliver Kragl, at 36 years old and after a career of high caliber, chose to return to Messina, in the lowest category in the history of the Biancoscudata: «For me this return has a very important meaning – he says – I had nothing against the city or against the fans, as was said at my farewell. When I arrived in January 2023 we were far from second to last place and in the end we achieved a magical, beautiful and unexpected salvation.”
A parenthesis, that of the first experience in Messina, was enough to leave its mark. Kragl immediately became one of the team’s references, contributing to the salvation achieved in the playout against Gelbison. Then, however, the summer divorce and a farewell that had left consequences and above all a label that the German today firmly rejects: «It wasn’t nice to have been called a mercenary. I just wanted to feel valued as a player.”
No disagreement with the city or at least with the fans. Now Kragl returns with strong motivations and finds Alfio Torrisi, already known in Trapani. «I have a beautiful relationship with him and it shows even now, precisely because he wanted me with him again. He is a young, smart coach with a great desire to win.” A desire that will have to be transformed into team spirit. The group is completely new, but encouraging signs of unity were already seen in Capaci’s triangular meeting: «A group is built in the field, with daily work and then obviously also in free time, when we all have dinner together. When we are on the pitch we will give our hearts for each other, for the club and the fans.”
Clear mission without mincing words: «We must give our all to win and bring Messina where it deserves. It doesn’t make any difference to me to play in A, B, C, D or Eccellenza. Or a tomorrow with my friends in First Category. The only thing that matters is winning and giving your best day after day for the club that believes in you and for the fans who support you.” And so, after San Siro, the successes and a long career, there is still something to conquer. «They say that if you have achieved all your goals you can leave football. I’m not finished yet: my next goal is definitely to bring Messina to D.”
