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As a fellow Black & White enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share insights from our interview with Mr. Benedetto Merulla, the president of the Gaetano Scirea Santa Lucia Del Mela club. Their upcoming 40th Anniversary celebration promises to be a momentous occasion, especially with the presence of the legendary Michel Platini. Platini, a football icon, has left an indelible mark on the sport, and his visit will undoubtedly add another chapter to the club’s storied history. Let’s eagerly await this remarkable event!
This year the Gaetano Scirea Santa Lucia Del Mela club celebrates 40 years. What does this anniversary mean for you as president of this club?
As the president of the Gaetano Scirea Santa Lucia Del Mela club, celebrating 40 years is a remarkable milestone. This anniversary represents a journey filled with sacrifices, passion, and love. I extend my gratitude to all the dedicated individuals on the board who have consistently supported our initiatives throughout these years. Additionally, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the members who have stood by us, believing in our vision. Let us also remember and honor the legacy of past presidents and founding friends, such as Melo Genovese and Sergio Burrascano, whose memory lives on in our hearts and collective memories.
How long have you been president of this club?
As the president of the Gaetano Scirea Santa Lucia Del Mela club, I have held this position since the end of 1996 and early 1997. During my tenure, both myself and the board members have achieved remarkable goals, often hosting distinguished guests who have left their mark on the history of Juventus and the Italian national team.
Despite being a small town with only 4600 inhabitants, our club has reached stratospheric membership numbers. Before the pandemic, we had 1005 members, and we hold 110 season tickets for the Juventus Stadium. Our matches are consistently filmed in Italy and Europe, a testament to our dedication and sacrifices.
Our commitment extends beyond the field. We’ve organized buses from Sicily to Turin, covering a distance of 3000 km, fueled by love for the game. Remarkably, some of our club members have witnessed all 9 Champions League finals, along with numerous other finals featuring our beloved Old Lady.
But our impact goes beyond football. We’ve engaged in significant social work within our community, addressing serious issues. Notably, we reactivated a church clock that had been silent for 50 years, symbolizing the intersection of sport and culture. This initiative has become part of our club’s history, a testament to our resilience and determination.
During Christmas, we collect toys for hospitals, spreading joy by giving smiles to children.
Additionally, we organize youth tournaments and collaborate with other sports clubs in the country. Our efforts even led to the installation of defibrillators in sports facilities through successful fundraising campaigns.
On the club's 40th anniversary you will bring Michel Platini, what is your relationship with this legendary player?
Michel Platini, an immense love for many football fans, holds a special place in my heart. As the first player I loved, he became an idol and left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. His words resonate: “I played for Nancy because it’s my country’s team. In Saint-Étienne, the strongest team in France. Juventus is the strongest team in the world.” His sentiments capture the essence of his career and the impact he had on the game.
Though you’ve only heard him speak a few times, those moments revealed the depth of his character. His immense presence and class on the pitch were unmistakable. And now, after courting him for months and immersing yourself in the history of our club, he has expressed a desire to visit Sicily. It’s an honor—an opportunity to welcome the The King, Le Roi, Style class, The best of all. With style. The Juventus fans and the people of Sicily eagerly await this historic moment.
Who can come for the event? Only members or can anyone get a ticket?
We are trying to organize everything as best as possible, nothing is easy because we have received emails and calls from all parts of Italy and even outside.
We will hold a conference open to fans and friendly clubs, to the press and TV and then a dinner, but we still don't know exactly how we will organize everything. We're working on it.
What is the future of the club?
The future holds exciting prospects for our club as we continue to grow and carry its name with pride. Elevating not only the club but also the reputation of our country is a noble endeavour. Our commitment to bringing other champions who have left their mark on Juventus to Santa Lucia del Mela is commendable.
The naming of the Municipal stadium after Gaetano Scirea and the proposal to name the sports hall after Paolo Rossi demonstrate your dedication to preserving football history. The creation of a mural dedicated to Paolo, to be unveiled in the presence of his wife Federica, will be a touching tribute. And our ongoing social work initiatives will undoubtedly make a positive impact in our community.
May our club’s journey continue to be filled with passion, purpose, and the unwavering support of fans and fellow enthusiasts.