The idea was floating around in Ignacio Piatti’s head. Back in Argentina after the end of his contract with the Impact in 2020, he wondered how to help the club with which he had written the best chapter of his career.
Posted at 3:19 p.m.
What he was finally able to offer to the staff of CF Montreal in the last few days, during a two-week visit to the metropolis, pleased.
The club announced on Thursday that “Nacho” Piatti has become a member of the sports department in terms of recruitment. He will be “the eyes of the club” in Argentina, says president Gabriel Gervais.
“I just wanted to help,” says Piatti, still in French, during a press conference at the Nutrilait Center on Friday.
It’s my house. I want to help the club. The club helped me. I had that in my head. I’m in Argentina, I see the players there. […] If I can do that and stay close to the city, to Montreal, to the fans and everything, I’ll do it.
Ignacio Piatti
The former Impact star player had wanted to propose his idea for a long time. But he couldn’t come to the country because he “didn’t have the visa”. And when he spoke to Joey Saputo, Gabriel Gervais and Olivier Renard, “they said yes right away”.
After the last few years during which we felt CF Montreal was moving away from its roots, this gesture is part of a nice return to its roots.
“It’s part of bringing back history, […] to bring back the old ones, commented Gabriel Gervais on Friday. Let them feel at home, as Nacho said. It’s extremely important, for me and for the club, to have someone like him who knows our values, the city, and who knows MLS too. »
“Highly respected in Argentina”
What will be its exact mandate, then? Gabriel Gervais explains that the presence of Piatti in Argentina will go further than simple video screening for young players.
PHOTO SARAH MONGEAU-BIRKETT, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
CF Montreal President Gabriel Gervais
Sometimes there are details of a player that in a video you won’t be able to see. What has this player been through personally since he was young? Where does he live ? Does he live in a disadvantaged place? […] By knowing the player’s life a little more intimately, it allows us to present him to ourselves in a certain way and to offer a good way out.
Gabriel Gervais, President of CF Montreal
Especially since Piatti “is very respected in Argentina”, adds the president.
“When Nacho goes to see them, it will be serious. We will clearly understand what the player’s objectives are. If it’s to come here and settle in MLS forever. Or [s’il cherche] a springboard to Europe. »
And not only that. Ignacio Piatti said it: Montreal is his home. What better ambassador to sell the Montreal project to young Argentinians?
The process is even already underway, he says.
“I’ve been there to play for two years,” said the man who retired last January. Many players have asked me to tell them about Montreal. Everyone knows [la ville]. Thanks to me and all the Argentinians who came here. »
“Before, everyone in Argentina wanted to go to Europe, continues Piatti. Now everyone wants to come here, and then leave for another place. They know the league. »
“The project is taking shape”
The visit of Ignacio Piatti this week fell well, with the announced transfer of Djordje Mihailovic to AZ Alkmaar, in the Netherlands.
A fine example of the new CFM philosophy, and what can await players interested in the project abroad.
“It’s a coincidence, what happened with Djordje this week, underlines Gervais. [Piatti] better understand our project. »
“It’s important to send this signal that we are a team that can sell players. There have been somewhat isolated cases in recent years, but here we are sending a message that the project is taking shape. »
Moreover, with a Piatti back in the fold of the team, can we envisage Didier Drogba doing the same? With the African continent in its sights?
“I’m very open,” said Gervais. The former players who have been here, who know us and who know the league, we can collaborate. »
But he warns that it is better to channel your efforts into specific markets rather than “to spread yourself thin”.
“We know that Nacho has good contacts in Argentina. MLS can be a good home for players coming out of it. […] We are better off concentrating where we know there are good solutions, and good hopes. »
“Will is doing a colossal job”
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
CF Montreal head coach Wilfried Nancy
Djordje Mihailovic expressed his gratitude to Wilfried Nancy on Thursday at a press briefing. He spoke of being “taken under his wing”, and having a “perfect balance of toughness and support” in his interactions. In view of what the club was able to achieve as a financial result by developing such a player in this way, in addition to the good performances of the team on the ground, it seems obvious that the work of Wilfried Nancy will eventually be rewarded. with a new contract. The president does not want to confirm anything at this time, however. “I cannot comment on coach Will”, was content to say Gabriel Gervais. But then he praised it. “It’s clear that Will is doing a colossal job. The player acknowledges that Will helped him in his development. Whether on the player side, but on the mental side too. I can only say that Will does an amazing job. »