Don’t get too excited. Despite being Buffon’s understudy in Italy’s World Cup winning squad of 2006, Marco Amelia last turned out for Italian amateur side Rocca Priora after leaving AC Milan.
Although there’s nothing to say he didn’t have offers elsewhere – he in fact played Milan’s final 5 games of the season before he was released and decided to go back to the amateur game in a village south-east of Rome.
At the time Amelia was quoted as saying:
“Maybe I expected a bit more, also because there was no transfer fee to be paid and I’ve never been obsessed with money. I got plenty of offers from abroad and had a few chats with Italian clubs, but nothing came of anything, and not for economic reasons. In any case I’m happy doing my own thing at home. I’ve got my family by my side and I’m running this club, enjoying myself with these lads.”
Which is refreshing to hear from a professional footballer these days.
He did eventually make his way back to Perugia at the back end of last season but failed to make an appearance.
And no the 33 year old has turned up at Stamford Bridge, clearly responding to Chelsea’s call for help in the goalkeeping department with Courtois out of action.
“We need a goalkeeper now, not in January.” Mourinho has been quoted.
It looks like Amelia fits the bill. A free agent, it’s now likely he’ll sign a short term deal to cover Begovic.
Of course no fan research or ‘scouting’ would be complete with the obligatory YouTube video search. If you enjoyed the video above of his general highlights from his time at AC Milan then you’ll love these.
From our own research we discovered a couple of notable career highlights and a pretty comical lowlight.
1. Ronaldinho Penalty Save
Most fondly remembered at Palermo for saving a Ronaldinho penalty (poor video quality but a smart save)
2. A Natural Goalscorer
Livorno, for whom Amelia made 167 appearances, also scored 3 times while at the club. This goal is a beautifully bundled header in the last minute of a UEFA Cup group game against FK Partizan way back in 2006.
3. Amelia Concedes From 45-Yards
And back at Palermo, he managed to concede a Charlie Adam-esque 45-yard goal which in all fairness was a bit of a wonder strike. Definitely worth a watch for the volley alone – even if it makes our new keeper look a bit silly.
