Views: 37

Mantova: a farewell for a return

Tomorrow, at the Danilo Martelli, it will not be an ordinary day. Not for Mantova, which will bid farewell to a recent pillar of its locker room. And not for Sebastien De Maio, who officially hangs up his defender’s boots to wear new ones, as a manager. The announcement of his retirement from playing football will take place in the setting of a press conference full of emotions. There, the ’87 class will also explain the details of his new adventure as Club Manager of Mantova for the 2025-2026 season.

It’s a passing of the torch from himself to himself, after all. Because the De Maio as a player, the one who fought on Serie A fields with prestigious jerseys like Genoa, Fiorentina, Bologna, Udinese and, even before, Brescia, does not leave football. But he chooses to experience it from a different perspective. A different challenge, for sure. But driven by the same spirit that made him a leader at Mantova as well. Where he arrived in January 2024 with the task of strengthening a team chasing a dream. Promotion to Serie B. Mission accomplished, and more. Mantova then maintained its category without even going through the playoffs. Also thanks to the experience and solidity of the French central defender.

THE BALL OF SERIE B 2024-2025 ( PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI )

De Maio: I had everything

To better explain what this moment represents for De Maio is perhaps his social message. His, a sincere and grateful farewell: “I had everything,” he writes, thanking the people, the places, the goals, and above all the family. But the key phrase is another one: “I’m not leaving football.” He stays, indeed he does. With a different jersey, yes, not for playing. But with the same love.

For Mantova, it’s not a goodbye. It’s an investment in continuity. A choice of heart and identity. Because certain players, when they retire, are not replaced. They are kept.