Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Patrick Cutrone has been speaking about his frustrating 2020/21 season.
The 23-year-old is currently on loan at Valencia, having started the campaign at Fiorentina.
A lack of minutes there led to a recall from Wolves in January, and he played a handful of games before being sent to the Spanish side, following the loan arrival at Molineux of Willian Jose.
Normal rules would not have permitted Cutrone to make a second loan move in one season, but the pandemic saw FIFA makes some changes to their rules.
Since he headed to Spain, Cutrone has played just 55 minutes for Los Che across four appearances.
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It’s been a very frustrating year for the star, who has been reflecting on things after his two goals for the Italy U21s last night.
He said (via Super Deporte): “The season is tough for me, I can’t find the continuity that I’d like on the field, but I’ve always done my best because this is the best sport in the world and I think my moment will come.
“It’s true that I have not played in a long time, so it was not easy, but I always train at my best and wanted to be ready when my opportunity came.
“Many had doubts about my physical condition, but I almost managed to do the full 90 minutes tonight. I thank the coach for his trust. He always believes in me and has faith in me, which means a lot.”
One wonders if Cutrone was simply praising Italy U21s head coach Paolo Nicolato or if there was perhaps a little more to it.
It would be no surprise if that final line was a little dig at Nuno Espirito Santo and the others who have overlooked him this term.
Cutrone needs fresh start
One has to really feel sorry for Cutrone.
It’s been an awful season for him, and his confidence must be shattered having been unable to convince four managers (Giuseppe Iachini, Cesare Prandelli, Nuno and Javi Gracia) of his worth.
It’s highly likely he’ll be moved on by Wolves in the summer, and hopefully he’ll go to a club that suits him and can help him get his career back on track.