Pelle hints at Serie A return when Saints deal expires

Ian Watson

Graziano Pelle: Will be 32 when Southampton deal ends

Italy striker Graziano Pelle says he is “happy in England right now” but the Southampton star admits he misses his homeland. 

Pelle has been in fine form for club and country, scoring six goals in the Premier League while finishing as the Azzurri’s top scorer in the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

The Saints signed Pelle last year from Feyenoord and the forward will be turning 32 years old when his contract expires in summer 2017.

While praising the reemergence of Serie A, Pelle hinted that he might be ready to return to Italy when his deal ends at St Mary’s.

“My contract with Southampton expires in 2017, Italy is beautiful and I miss it,” he said. “Serie A has had a fall recently, but now it is showing growth again.

“Juventus’ showings in the Champions League and the others teams in the Europa League have lifted it.

“Within a few years, Serie A will again be among one of the best leagues in the world.

“Nostalgia is always there with Italy and I’m nostalgic. Of course, I’m happy in England right now, but only time will tell.”