Key Takeaways
- Stefano Sensi believes constant fitness problems blocked transfers to Manchester City and Barcelona.
- The midfielder changed his diet after reading tennis star Novak Djokovic’s book ‘Serve to Win’.
- Sensi currently plays for Anorthosis in Cyprus and enjoys a quieter life away from Italian football.
The Italian footballer now admits that fitness troubles destroyed his chance to join elite European sides. Stefano Sensi, who currently plays for Anorthosis Famagusta FC in Cyprus, spoke openly about his career struggles in a recent interview.
The 30-year-old joined the Cypriot club last summer as a free agent after leaving Monza. He now enjoys regular playing time and a peaceful lifestyle in Larnaca. “I am having fun again. I needed this fresh start,” he explained. “I play full matches every week, and my body feels strong.”
Sensi also praised his coach, Mauro Camoranesi. The former Juventus star arrived midway through the season. “I did not know him before, but he is a wonderful person and an excellent manager,” Sensi added. “He helped me speak Italian again after months of using only English.”
The midfielder claims he does not miss life in Italy at the moment. “I am a quiet person. I do not need nightlife or parties,” he said. “Living in Larnaca suits me perfectly.”
Back in 2019, Sensi appeared destined for superstardom. FC Internazionale Milano paid €25 million to sign him from Sassuolo. He started brilliantly under Antonio Conte, scoring three goals and creating four assists in his first six matches.
His outstanding display against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League group stage caught the attention of major clubs. “Big teams followed my progress because they saw my quality,” Sensi recalled. “Without the injuries, perhaps I would have joined Barcelona or Manchester City. Maybe I would still be at Inter.”
Unfortunately, disaster struck just four days after that Barcelona match. Sensi suffered the first of many serious injuries that ruined his time at the San Siro. He managed only 57 appearances for the Nerazzurri before loan spells at Sampdoria and Monza.
The Italian credits his wife and a mental coach for saving his career. “My wife convinced me not to quit,” he revealed. “If I could restart my career, I would hire a mental coach immediately. I found mine three years ago, and I cannot manage without him now.”
Sensi also changed his diet after reading Djokovic’s autobiography. “My friends told me about ‘Serve to Win’. The book describes how Djokovic solved his physical problems,” Sensi said. “I removed gluten, lactose and sugar from my meals. Soon I felt fitter, and my injuries became less frequent.”
One major disappointment remains. Sensi missed the Italy squad for the 2021 European Championship due to another fitness problem. “I owe Roberto Mancini everything. He trusted me when I was at Sassuolo and even picked me ahead of Jorginho,” he concluded. “I travelled to Coverciano for treatment, but I could not recover in time to win the trophy with my country.”