ALONSO LOVING FIORENTINA LIFE
Pietersen: I could return if ECB chief Clarke departs
KEVIN Pietersen claims he could yet return to international cricket – if England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke departed the scene.
It is a fanciful scenario to suggest Pietersen, sacked by the ECB eight months ago, could resume his career with his adopted country under any circumstances such is the vitriol contained in his autobiography, which went on general sale yesterday.
But he has escalated his grievances to the very top in his latest interview to promote his book.
“What would have to FORMER Sunderland target Marcos Alonso says he is enjoying life back at Fiorentina now he is getting regular firstteam football.
The left- back ( pictured) joined the Black Cats on loan back in January after failing to make an impact at the Serie A side following a move from Bolton Wanderers.
And he made such a contribution to Sunderland’s run to the Capital One Cup final and subsequent “Great Escape” from relegation, that Gus Poyet was desperate to sign him again in the summer.
The Spaniard was the Black Cats’ firstchoice target to fill the left- back role at the Stadium of Light, but Fiorentina took note of his performances for Sunderland and are using him much more in the second year of his three- year contract.
Alonso has played in six games at the start of the Italian season, with mid- table Fiorentina conceding just twice in those matches and the full- back revealed: “I’m excited, because I want to play.
“Last season, I had to leave for Sunderland due to a lack of games, but this season I have happen for me to be recalled by England?” he asks.
“Clearly, the boss would have to go.”
Pietersen, who has already been highly critical of some of his former team- mates and former team director Andy Flower in his book and in earlier promotional started well and enjoyed a good pre- season.
“The truth is that Fiorentina’s style of football suits my game.
“The coach has also told me to focus on my football and play as I know I can, which I have done so far. “As far as a call- up to the Spanish national side?
“I’m not thinking about that, I’m only focused on my team.”
Alonso made just six league starts for Fiorentina in his debut campaign, but he started 16 games for Sunderland and also played in three cup games, including the Capital One Cup final against Manchester City.
Poyet held out as long as he could to see if he could get Alonso in the summer, but eventually switched his attention to Chelsea starlet Patrick Van Aanholt. who joined the Black Cats in a £ 1.5m deal.
Everton midfielder Ross Barkley will resume first- team training next week, but his return has been offset considerably by the loss of defender John Stones with an ankle problem for more than three months.
Hinterviews, hints he is aware of a possible change of guard. “Clarke would have to go, and I’ve been hearing that could happen in the next few months,” he said. “That’s all hearsay, you never know. If there is a change at the top, there is potential, but we will wait and see.”