In an exclusive interview with Corriere dello Sport, Sassuolo’s long-serving forward Domenico Berardi opened up about his career, confirming that despite his deep gratitude to his current club, he still harbors the ambition to make the definitive jump to a top-tier team and experience Champions League football.
Dream of a Big Club and Champions League
Berardi, who has consistently been the subject of summer transfer speculation, stated that in recent years he has actively pushed for a move away from Sassuolo.
“I have been at Sassuolo for fifteen years,” Berardi said. “In the first years, I didn’t feel ready to leave. In the last five or six, I pushed to go away.”
The winger confirmed that he came close to securing a move before an injury intervened: “I’m honest, yes. Before getting hurt, I had found an agreement with a big club, all solutions had been identified. All of them. But don’t ask me which one, because I won’t tell you.” When asked if the club had stripes (suggesting Juventus or Inter), he confirmed, “A club with stripes.”
Berardi then voiced his most profound regret: “I was sorry not to be able to play in the Champions League, not to be able to play for the highest objectives. The Champions League is something I have always wanted to try.”
He further explained the complexity of a transfer, noting that the final piece of the puzzle was always missing: “You need to be in three [parties agreeing], and one of the three was always missing.” Despite his disappointment, Berardi expressed gratitude to Sassuolo, acknowledging he feels and is made to feel like the club’s flag-bearer.
“I still have time,” Berardi said, maintaining hope for his long-desired move. He emphasized that he is now fully matured and ready for the switch to an elite club.
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