Danny Tiatto

This article was generously provided to ClubFootball by the British Council, which operates in China as the Cultural and Education Section of the British Embassy.

Position: Defender
Nationality: Australian
Team: Manchester City FC, England
 
Danny is a full Australian International who has played his league football in both Italy and Switzerland before moving to England and signing for Manchester City FC in July 1998.
 
We talked to Danny about playing and living in Britain.
 
What made you choose to play for a British Team?
 
"I'd heard a lot of good reports from Australian players that have come over here previously. Also, basically the language made it a lot easier to settle down, rather than having to learn another language."
 
What are your first memories of arriving at the club and getting to know your new team-mates?
 
"I was impressed from the start about how the set-up is much more professional than my previous clubs. And of course the weather was much colder compared to back home but professionally I really enjoyed it as soon as I got here. I knew straight away it was the place I wanted to be and play my football career."
 
Having played in Italy and Switzerland how would you describe the difference in cultures between the clubs in the different countries?
 
"I think here in Britain you can enjoy yourself a lot more football wise. Working with the players here you can have a bit more of a laugh, enjoy yourself a bit more. When I was in Italy they didn't really seem to bond as much. They didn't really go out as a group of players.
 
I think there are a lot of similarities between England and Australia. Everyone's really friendly and gets along well with each other back home, and it's the same here. There's a good group feeling amongst the players. I think that's a very important thing - to have a good environment."
 
You surely get teased for coming from Australia though?
 
"Yeah, there's always a little bit of stick for being an Aussie and some of the other foreigners here get that too but that's all part of it. Everyone jokes and has a good time."
 
How about the fans here at Maine Road (Manchester City's Ground)? How have they taken to you?
 
"Well, the fans here are quite tremendous. I've never been anywhere else where the fans have been so passionate and so behind the team. I think every time I go out and give 110% that the fans really appreciate it. I like to go out there and entertain them and hopefully win a few more games for them. I think that's the most important thing because they are the one's paying to watch us and we've got to make sure we put on a good show for them."
 
Living in Britain is similar to living in Australia in many ways. Did that make it easier to deal with the change of culture?
 
"Yeah, it wasn't a great big culture shock for me. People over here like to have a beer now and then, and I did like that back home as well. Basically I settled in really well and there was no real culture shock at all. It took me a couple of months to settle in and that was it really and things took off from there."
 
Are you still allowed to have a beer?
 
"Yeah, but not too often. Things are a little bit more professional these days. You have to take care over what you eat and what you drink. It's not like 10-15 years ago when there were a lot of people drinking. Football is now so professional you've got to try and be as healthy as possible.
 
Players are getting paid a lot of money to play and you've got to respect that. You can't go out and just get carried away so I think that's a tremendous thing. A lot of players have changed their mental attitude and work harder to become more professional."
 
What do you feel you have brought to the British game and what have you gained from your experience of playing here?
 
"Basically, I've always been a very quick player and that's why the British game suited me because the game is very quick here. Skill-wise, I think I've learnt most of it over here, and tactics as well which is a real bonus for me. I've always had the pace and fitness, but now can put them to better use."
 
Can you remember how you felt when you made your debut for Manchester City?
 
"The first time is always a little bit nerve-racking. But it was a great time for me, I will never forget it, especially playing out here at Maine Road with so many people cheering you, it's incredible - I'd never experienced anything like it before."
 
What is your best football memory of playing here in the UK?
 
"It definitely has to be getting promoted last year to the Premiership because it was always my aim to come overseas and play at the highest level. We were lucky enough last year to get promotion.
 
It was a bit of a struggle at one point and we were in trouble but we ended up getting out of it, which was great. This season I just want to keep on doing well and stay in the Premiership. No way do I want to go back to the First Division."
 
What do you miss most about home?
 
"I'd have to say friends and family. They're so far away that you can't just jump on a plane and go and see them really. I'm lucky because my fiancé has been able to join me here now.
 
I miss the weather as well, and being able to just go to the beach."

May 2001