Hi Julian, thanks again for taking the time to speak with us.

Julian Uccello at Rivarolese

You had a successful season with Rivarolese in Serie D, scoring 18 goals in 24 games. Have you accomplished what you set out to do at that level and will we be seeing you moving up the ladder in Italy?

My accomplishment was to do well this year and to do the best that I can to help my team succeed. Yes scoring 18 goals would be a good year for most, but unfortunately missing 10 games due to injuries is not something I am happy about. So for next year my goals will be higher hopefully with better health and more goals to help the team, and who knows a scoring title.

Well as far as moving up I have had offers with higher division teams, but to be
quite honest they did not interest me as advised by my agent. The offers with them would have me be seen as the 3rd or 4th striker in line on the team. Playing time would be at minimum and not recommended by my agent, but rather playing all the time at a lower level and achieving my goals every season has been advised to me. Time will tell if I did the right thing to get the opportunity that I will have earned and deserve to play at higher level as a starter.

You moved to Italy as a teenager to play in the AC Milan youth system, can you tell us how the environment there influenced your game?

Living and playing in Milan from when I was 15 years old was a very exciting
time for me. I really enjoyed being there and I really learned a lot as a young
Canadian in a big soccer city like Milan. When you wear the crest of one of the
best clubs in the world, it is and was a dream come true for me. The love, passion of all the tifosi was exactly what I needed to inspire me to do well, especially when having a chance to play with Kaka, Gattuso, Maldini made it even more special as it would be for others too.

Do you have any advice to young Canadians who are aspiring to a career in professional soccer?

The best advice I could give someone is follow you heart, your dreams, never
say never and always give it 100%. Make sure mind set and your fitness level is high and mighty, and you will succeed at any dream you choose to have or want to accomplish anything you want to do.

Have you had a chance to attend a Toronto FC game yet?

Yes, I did attend a few matches and wish I had more tickets. I had a great
time there with the fans cheering on TFC. It felt really good to see that futbul
in Canada has finally arrived and recognized specially by its fans. Wow, wish that was here when I left.

You were a part of the team that qualified in Honduras for the 2005 U20 World Cup, but were left off the final roster for Holland. Do you think
you deserved to be on the final roster? And how did you deal with the disappointment of Dale Mitchell's decision?

Even though I felt good about the shape I was in and I had a terrific year that year with Savona as their striker, I felt I worked hard during that under 20 camp - maybe too hard. I thought I was the more logical choice as the primary striker for the under 20 squad, but in life you cannot be always first sometime others come before you and or second or third or not even at all in the coaches eyes. I have no control over decisions coaches make, but I must respect his choice.

No, I was not disappointed at Mr. Mitchells' decision, but really more disappointed about the results afterwards. I really thought they had a good chance to advance to the next rounds, I still do today thinking back, there were some good players on the team.

Were you contacted by Nick Dasovic to take part in the Olympic Qualifiers?

No, I was not contacted by Nick Dasovic at all for the Olympic team.

Have you spoken to Dale Mitchell about a possible role on the Men's
National Team?

The last time I spoke to Mr. Mitchell was in Holland 2005. Nobody has contact
me regarding any role with the men’s team.

Do you think Canada will qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa?

Hey anything is possible as I said, if you have 22 players to believe that they
can do it, and 22 players that play with their crest to their heart and the
combination of the passion, strength, of each and every one of those 22 players yes they will but anything less it will be more difficult to achieve it. Especially at that level of the game.

Where do you see yourself playing in 5 years?

In five years I want to be the top goal scorer that Canada has ever had and to
be the first Canadian to play in Serie A team, professionally in a league game.

Julian will be signing a contract to return to Italian football shortly. Canucks Abroad wishes Julian all the best, and good luck with his career.