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Emerson Palmieri had a really successful year in 2021. The Italian of Brazilian descent won the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup with Chelsea in the same year, and triumphed in the European Championship with the Italian national team. Emerson talked to Sky Sports about that Italian triumph that stuck in the defender's memory: "I can't describe in words what happened that night. I can't even describe how emotional I felt at that moment. The atmosphere, the fans, the final whistle. Great emotions. It was a special moment and a special day in my life. But I can't explain it." The Italian also talked about preparing for the match: "I turned on the TV and read a couple of English newspapers. Everyone was convinced that the English would win." Emerson also recalled celebrating in Rome after Italy's triumph: "Returning with trophies and celebrating with the nation was one of the most wonderful moments of my life. It was very difficult after that disappointment when we failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia. People were very disappointed with the team at that time, but still believed." Winning the European Championship, three years after that disappointment, was very great. To see a nation so passionate about football. We really deserved it. Italy is one of those countries that suffered greatly during the pandemic. And to bring joy to people was amazing," said the defender. Emerson eventually played an important role in this European Championship, starting in both the semi-final and final matches as he had to replace Spinazzola, who suffered a serious Achilles injury: "After Spinazzola's injury, Mancini spoke to me and said that I would play the entire tournament until the end. He said: "We believe in you, we're behind you, and we support you every step of the way. Go and do what you do best." I am very grateful to him," expressed Emerson for the gratitude to the Italian coach. The current Lyon Olympique defender also added this sentence about all these triumphs and victories of 2021: "Every day I look at my earned medals and remember how happy I am to have this opportunity. My son admires those medals."
