Captain Dario Monguzzi has decided: he will hang up his knee pads at the end of the season.
Thus ends a very long career, which began among the youth ranks of Asystel Milano in 1998, and ended with 19 consecutive seasons with the Pool Libertas Cantù shirt between the second and third national categories.
He was there at the first historic promotion from Serie B to Serie A2, as well as at the subsequent relegation. He was there for the second, immediate, promotion to the cadet category, which culminated with an unexpected and beautiful ride that led to the Promotion Play Off Final. In Serie A2, Play Offs and Play Outs alternated at the Italian Cup, with historic results and memories that will remain indelible in everyone’s minds. But also the season behind closed doors in the midst of the Covid-19 era, the following one which unfortunately saw him as a fan from the stands, and the last one, marked by the unprecedented second place in the Regular Season, the first DelMonte® Supercoppa Serie A2, and the third Semifinal Play Off.
But now the decision has been made: let’s enjoy the last matches in the Cantù jersey of one of the last remaining flags in the world of sport.
THE GREETING LETTER FROM CAPTAIN DARIO MONGUZZI
Unfortunately here we are.
I always imagined this moment far away, knowing in my heart that sooner or later it would come anyway, even if the real question I didn’t know how to answer was what it would be like and how I would feel in that moment.
Although physically I feel quite good, it is no longer possible to continue to postpone this decision by consuming the phrase “I’ll play for one more year and then that’s it”.
Time and priorities change for everyone at some point in life.
I was 21 years old when I walked through the door of the Parini building in Cantù for the first time.
From that moment, my only desire was to reach Serie A and become a top-class player.
Today, at 40 years old, after 19 seasons wearing this shirt, I can stop playing volleyball happy, aware of having achieved what I set out to do.
I will always be grateful to this club, to President Molteni who believed in me, to the coaches who made me grow as an athlete and as a person, making me realize that dream.
I think back to everything I have experienced: joys and sorrows, promotions, relegation, Play Offs, Play Outs, years of Serie B and years of Serie A.
I think of all those who have entered my life in some way as teammates, medical staff, managers, collaborators and volunteers, who have contributed to my growth path. I hope I have managed to convey my sense of belonging and have given back at least part of everything I have received.
