Bartolo: ‘Messi did everything, he doesn’t need the World Cup to show who he is’

Speaking on the Astera Tripoli podcast, Julian Bartolo spoke about his Super League experience as well as Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona who have achieved so much and glorified Argentina like no other.

At the same time, he also mentioned his reaction to Maradona’s death, spreading sorrow among Argentines and all football fans.

For the best memory you have of your childhood in Argentina: “One of my favorite memories was weekly, I would say. Every time we met at my grandmother’s house. The whole family. You understand that as the years go by it becomes more and more difficult to maintain this custom because everyone goes their own way. But when I was young I loved it when it happened“.

How did he react when he found out he was making his official professional debut and about the Diego Maradona cult?: “There isn’t a single Argentine who doesn’t adore Diego Maradona. We are talking about a very great personality. I now belong to the generation that also loves very much Lionel Messi, who I think is excellent at what he does.

In general, they are two very important personalities. For the first part of the question, I clearly remember the day I debuted professionally. I played in the third division of Argentina. However, I remember every moment that it rained a lot, that we achieved a positive result with my team. The emotions were very intense and I definitely enjoyed it a lot“.

For the image it has of Greek football: “I would say it’s very competitive. All games are difficult. Mainly against the theoretically strongest teams in the league. However, each game has its own peculiarity and difficulty. That surprised me positively because, as an Argentinian, I didn’t know enough about the Greek league. On the other hand, I’d say it’s good because the league playstyle suits me and that’s why I adapted so quickly“.

For his idol when he was little: “For me it is clear. My football idol is Lionel Messi. From the moment I decided to get involved with football, I followed him and I continue to do so. I think what he’s doing is unreal. Another one I admired when he played is Van Persie, who I always watched when he played for Arsenal“.

Is it about time Argentina became world champions?: “I think that at every World Cup that happens, we hope for something like that and we want it. We can’t ask for more than that Messi has done everything. We are grateful and proud of what he has achieved individually, but also collectively and with the national team. We’ll be glad if he does, but we’re eternally grateful for what he did“.