Alemanno ready for emotional Gloucester farewell

Matias Alemanno made his Gloucester debut in 2020, but had fallen in love with the city some five years earlier.

Eleven years on, the Argentine international lock is now ready to close the chapter on a romance that is set to end with a 100th Cherry and White appearance this weekend.

Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Alemanno explained that he was immediately hooked by the Kingsholm atmosphere.

"In 2015 I played in the Rugby World Cup in England, and we played one game here against Georgia at Kingsholm," he said.

"The crowd was so good and everyone said that when Gloucester play here the atmosphere is the same.

"When Skiv [George Skivington] called me up and asked me to come here, I said yes straightaway.

"I knew the history of the club and everyone made me feel at home straightaway."

Not that there were many able to witness the lock's debut, played behind closed doors against Harlequins because of the Covid pandemic.

When fans were allowed back in, the atmosphere that Alemanno had experienced in 2015 was stronger than ever.

"It was full and I said 'Wow, this city loves rugby'," he said.

"Running past The Shed has become one of my favourite memories of my time here; I am going to be emotional when I do that last run past in the warm-up.

"I have always loved running back into the changing rooms, particularly after a win, to sing songs and celebrate with the boys. Everyone at this club will always have a special place in my heart."

From on-pitch family to off-pitch family, the 34-year-old really has seen his life change while in the south-west.

He explained: "My wife and I came here in 2020, just the two of us, and now we leave with two children. One of my kids has a Gloucester accent! He came to me the other day and said that he doesn't want to leave.

"It was a tough decision to make, and there are mixed emotions going into Saturday, but I will try and focus on the game and then celebrate with my family and friends after."

Victory at home to Newcastle in their Prem Rugby finale would secure Champions Cup rugby at Kingsholm next season, and could even lead to Alemanno making an appearance in the opposition XV against Skivington's side in the future.

"My journey will continue in France, but I cannot say which club as it has not been announced yet," he said.

"It was a tough decision but me and my family are ready for the next challenge."