The essence of Italy in Korea: Leonardo's odyssey with Seoul Calcio FC
- La 10co
- hace 18 horas
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The beautiful game of football has always been a universal language, transcending borders and cultures. For Leonardo, a 34-year-old central defender from Santa Croce sull'Arno, Pisa, his passion for the sport—passed down from his father, an FC Inter supporter—has found new life in the vibrant capital of South Korea with Seoul Calcio FC. His story is one of renewed dedication, a commitment to team growth, and the influential guidance of coach Matteo Cerica.
Promoting Italian discipline and culture in Korea
Leonardo’s experience is inextricably linked to the club’s mission to be a powerful ambassador for Italian football methodology and culture in Asia.
The very foundation of Seoul Calcio FC, led by its CEO and head coach, Matteo Cerica, is an ambitious project to bridge the gap between Italian and Korean football cultures, offering high-quality training and promoting Italian discipline and methodology.
This mission is exemplified by events like the Sport Italian Day 2025, an initiative led by the Embassy of Italy in Seoul to celebrate the development of sports.
The event was featured on November 27 with prominent representatives, including Emilia Gatto (Italian ambassador), Vincenzo Campitelli (Honorary Consul in Busan), along with various Italian and Korean athletes, including representatives of the Seoul Calcio FC men’s team, women’s team, and even their U10 players.
Leonardo, who joined Cerica at the Italian embassy, emphasizes that technical and tactical intelligence are the ethos that truly represent Italy’s sporting influence.
Addressing the athlete: passion, goals, and dedication
His philosophy on what defines an athlete is rooted in passion and perseverance.
He believes that loving what you do makes everything easier, but true dedication means pushing forward even when motivation is low. This mindset is bolstered by the crucial practice of setting short, medium, and long-term goals, which provide a clear benchmark for success.
Critically, he emphasizes the need to respect and listen to your body, maintaining a healthy balance of diet and regular exercise, and acknowledging weaknesses to turn them into strengths.
From Tennis to Football: A lifelong sporting love
Though his deepest love is for football, Leonardo journey as an athlete began with tennis, a sport he played longer and started earlier due to his father’s initial passion.
The early experiences, from watching matches with his father and grandfather to the unforgettable neighborhood games that lasted until sunset, cemented a lifelong belief that sport brings people together.
While his team experience in football was limited to two years with Primavera Gori in his hometown and a brief stint with FC Shepperton in Australia, his foundation in competitive sport was built through his time on the tennis court.
The rebirth: finding rhythm with Seoul Calcio FC
Joining Seoul Calcio FC marked a significant turning point after a long period away from regular training.
As Faggio—known by his nickname—admits, he "lost contact with his body for too long." The club has provided the catalyst for his athletic rebirth, helping him to reconnect with his physical self and the joy of training.
He understands his current limitations but is fueled by the desire to work hard daily, supporting his teammates from his position as a central defender and striving to improve.
Leonardo's decision to join the club was heavily influenced by the founder and head coach. He was initially worried about his fitness, but the desire to play again won out. Cerica's immediate display of passion for the project was infectious.
Faggio describes his manager, a UEFA B-licensed Italian football coach, as both a competent professional and a genuinely good person who knows how to support his players. that demands commitment and a desire to improve, fostering an environment that has helped him grow.
The experience with Seoul Calcio FC is deeply impactful on Faggio’s personal and athletic growth
While the back defender enjoys the sheer act of playing and supporting others, he is competitive. He acknowledges that winning is the number one goal, yet emphasizes that the how—the hard work and continuous improvement over the previous match—is equally important and a source of personal pride.
An Azurri-Interista ,at heart: a tribute to legends
Faggio's love for football is deeply tied to his family, making FC Inter his favorite team, a loyalty inherited from his father being Javier Zanetti their favorite player, known as the legendary Capitano.
When recalling the sport's greatest moments, he also highlights two goals that encapsulate Italian football drama: Fabio Grosso's curled strike in the 119th minute against Germany in the 2006 World Cup semifinal, immediately followed by his winning penalty in the final against France.
These moments of unyielding pressure and ultimate triumph perfectly mirror the high stakes of professional competition.
Reflecfting on their legends, Leonardo best advice is simple: enjoy what you are doing. The choice of sport must bring happiness and joy in training. He stresses that consistency—viewing training as a non-negotiable step—is paramount for growth.
Furthermore, he advised: "Listen to your coach... Be confident in yourself but remain humble." It is this blend of self-belief and teachability that continues to guide his renewed experience with Seoul Calcio FC. ***
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