The former Olimpia Milano captain talks about his successes, difficulties and the strong bond with the team that marked his career
Alessandro Gentile, one of the most emblematic protagonists of Italian basketball, spoke with an open heart in a recent interview with SportsWeekpublication of Gazzetta dello Sport. With an intimate look at his career, Gentile reflected on his relationship with Olimpia Milano, the weight of expectations, and the mental challenges he faced after leaving the team. His story offers a deep dive into the key moments of his sporting life, between successes and difficulties, but also in his personal battle to maintain his own identity and integrity.
The scudetto at 21: joy and responsibility
At just 21 years old, Alessandro Gentile led Olimpia Milano to victory in the championship, an achievement which, for the young captain, represented a great honor, without however feeling the excessive weight of it: «That scudetto remains above all a joy that no one will be able to take away from me» , declared Gentile, fondly remembering that period. But the end of his journey with Milan was not without pain and uncertainty, so much so that it left profound repercussions on his career: “I wasn’t ready to handle that breakup”, he confesses, admitting that this influenced his subsequent path.
Milan: a visceral love that marks a path
Gentile describes his bond with Milan as a “visceral love”, an intense relationship that went beyond simple belonging to the team. This strong attachment emerges clearly when he reflects on the sleepless nights and absolute dedication: “I struggled to sleep after the defeats,” he says. His affection for the team, the president and the entire city tied him deeply to Olimpia Milano. When the relationship broke down, Gentile found himself in a moment of confusion: “I felt lost,” he declared, bringing out the emotional side of his experience as a professional.
The move to Panathinaikos is the biggest regret
After leaving Milan, Gentile moved to Panathinaikosa great European club, an opportunity which, however, turned out to be full of regrets. The experience with Panathinaikos did not go as hoped, and the athlete was unable to find himself. «I wasn’t able to metabolize the separation from Olimpia», admits Gentile, highlighting how the emotional and psychological bond with Milan had profoundly affected him, preventing him from expressing his maximum potential in the new Greek team. “When the relationship with Milan ended, I was no longer myself and I failed.”
This moment of crisis marked a turning point in Gentile’s career, who after his experience at Panathinaikos, tried to find stability and serenity, experimenting with different clubs and championships around Europe.
A career made of ups and downs: the road to reconciliation
Despite the difficulties he encountered, Gentile never gave up. After his experience in Greece, he regained control of his career, finding joy and recognition in several teams. “I’ve had good experiences and some less good ones, but I think that from Pana onwards, I’ve always recognized myself on the pitch,” he explained. His journey saw significant stages in Spain, Trento and Varese, where, even amidst ups and downs, Gentile was able to rediscover the pleasure of playing and being a point of reference for his teammates.
The struggle for mental health and the search for balance
In addition to his sporting career, Gentile shared personal reflections on the topic of mental health, a challenge that many athletes face, but few talk about openly. Being in the spotlight isn’t easy and often comes with pressure that can be exhausting. Gentile faced this challenge by trying to find a balance between the desire to always be at his best and the need to preserve his well-being.
«Giving yourself the image of a winner is exhausting», confesses Gentile, adding however that this sensation stimulates him and gives him energy. The desire to continually demonstrate his worth and the need to confirm himself as the “strongest” was a push for him, but also a source of stress.
The future prospects of Alessandro Gentile
Looking ahead, Gentile does not hide his enthusiasm for new challenges, even if his career now has a less defined trajectory than at the beginning. His path of personal growth, combined with the long experience gained in international fields, has allowed him to achieve greater serenity and awareness of his own limits and strengths. His story reveals the humanity of an athlete who, in addition to trophies, brings with him a wealth of experience that goes beyond the playing field.
Conclusion
The story of Alessandro Gentile is the portrait of a determined athlete, who had to face both physical and mental challenges. His connection with Milan was crucial for his growth and still represents one of the most intense experiences of his professional life. His story reminds us how, behind the figure of every athlete, lies an individual who, in addition to fighting for victory, must face his own internal battles.
