Silvan Widmer, now starring with Mainz in the Bundesliga, has not forgotten Italy. On the contrary, in his heart our country continues to rhyme with Udine and Udinese, a club that welcomed him in 2013 and where he stayed for five seasons, leaving a concrete and human mark.
“I had a very good time. There I also learned to play golf, which today is one of my passions,” he told exclusively to the microphones of Gianluca Di Marzio, (in an interview that parallels the one a few weeks ago given to Il Messaggero Veneto – READ HERE) showing genuine affection for the Friulian environment. With 142 appearances, 5 goals and 18 assists between league and cups, his contribution in the bianconero was invaluable, so much so that he was even remembered by the jockeys: “Some would write to spur me on, others to ask me for an own goal if they were against me. It made me laugh a lot.”
Compagni di talento e il mito Di Natale
Among his most vivid memories, Widmer speaks admiringly of the teammates he crossed paths with in Udine: “Bruno Fernandes and Zielinski impressed me. They made difficult plays easy, with incredible calm even under pressure.” But the deepest thought is for Antonio Di Natale: “Totò was the strongest of all. A great captain, always there for the group, on and off the field. I saw him again on vacation a few years ago, we had dinner together. He is an exceptional person.”
Coaches have also left an imprint on the Swiss’s career. “Guidolin was fundamental to my growth,” he explains, “as were Stankovic and Stramaccioni. And with Oddo I worked a lot on the defensive phase, I still follow his advice today.”
Il sogno europeo con il Mainz
Today Widmer is among the mainstays of Mainz, the protagonist of an astonishing season in the Bundesliga. “No one expected to see us this high in March,” he admits. “We are doing something incredible, but with full merit. In the locker room we talk about the Champions League. We don’t set limits for ourselves, but we stay with our feet on the ground.”
The collective is Mainz’s real strength, according to the defender: “We have a lot of good players, but no star players. Our value is in the group.”
La maglia della Svizzera e il gol più bello
With the Swiss national team, Widmer played two European Championships and two World Cups, scoring four goals. Among them, one remains special: “Against Italy, in the qualifiers for Qatar 2022, I scored the most beautiful goal of my career. Noah Okafor served me a beautiful ball and I kicked it on the volley. It was an impregnable shot, even for someone like Donnarumma. It was a decisive match and we took the first place in the round with merit.”
Un percorso da protagonista
Despite never having played for top clubs, Widmer says he is satisfied with his career: “I am happy with what I have done. Everywhere I’ve been I’ve played an important role. No regrets.” A statement of pride and authenticity, confirming that a footballer’s value is also measured in the respect earned, not only in the trophies won.
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