[Aladino]

Pozzi gives surgery the finger Thursday 22 March, 2007

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Nicola Pozzi will sacrifice the future use of his finger in a bid to help Empoli secure European qualification.

The striker snapped a tendon in his right hand during the 3-1 defeat to Lazio at the weekend and medics ruled that surgery was required.

But going under the knife would have seen him ruled out of action for six weeks, thus sidelining him from the Tuscan club’s fantastic campaign and possibly ending his dream of reaching June’s Under-21 European Championships.

As a result, Pozzi has taken the extraordinary decision of snubbing an operation which will result in him losing the mobility of his ring finger.

“I’ll still have my finger, I just won’t be able to bend or move it,” noted Pozzi. “Thank goodness that I write with my left hand… At least he has some sense of humour

“It’s obviously not a nice thing, but I considered all of the positives and the negatives,” he added.

“When my grandchildren ask me why my finger is like it is then I can tell them about this magnificent season with Empoli.

“Europe is at stake for both club and country for me. At Empoli we are just outside the top four and are fighting for something more important than just survival.

“And then I might get an Azzurrini call too!”

The loss of Pozzi would have left boss Gigi Cagni with a striker shortage, but the tactician insists he put no pressure on the youngster.

“Only he could make the decision and I’m sure he will mature as a person because of it,” noted the Coach.

“He was at a crossroads and he made his choice. He now has to forget about it though and look to the future.

“I personally think he has made the right decision, even if I didn’t tell him of my feelings when he asked me for some advice.

“It was a personal decision and he was free to choose because we have 42 points and top-flight safety assured.”

Well he has made his decision! I hope he doesn't land up regretting it. This is man with a whole lot of passion for the game, for the Azzurrini and for his team. A huge desicion one that will stay with him fo rthe rest of his life!