Fabio Borini: Former Liverpool striker at Salford City, living the life of a veteran

After committing to Salford, Borini then began delving into the club’s history and its journey from the Northern Premier League, the Northern Premier Division, to League Two via four promotions in five seasons.

He will also know that the club has been stuck in League Two since 2019 and has recently changed ownership meaning that of Manchester United’s famous crop of players, only David Beckham and Gary Neville still have a financial investment.

That’s not to say the link has been severed – both Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes were present when Borini and his team-mates began the final training session.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given the sheer number of his personal commitments, Neville is the only one of Salford’s famous historic property group whom he has not met.

“It is important for players to understand and learn about the history of their clubs,” Borini said.

“You have to be able to understand the heart and soul of this area before you become a player because I feel you are expected to put that on the field.”

As Borini puts it, Salford is “not like any other League Two club”. He says the infrastructure and spherical background of most visual backers makes it seem bigger.

However, he is a world away from the likes of Milan, having made 72 appearances in a two-year period up to 2020, and although he has only made two substitute appearances so far, he knows his backstory will attract attention.

“I’ve had a little taste already,” he said. “Purpose is not the right word but maybe your competitors will look at you differently.

“For me, it’s motivating. I think everyone wanted to play against Salford before I came here, because of the background, because of the football fans.

“Now they have something more to look forward to, which is playing with players like me.

“It’s difficult for me to maintain the same level and it’s difficult for the team to raise our level more because the lights are on us. To make sure the lights are on, you have to perform and you have to get results.”

Borini plans to keep playing for two or three years and says the engine is still working mentally and physically when it comes to his fitness.

He still has goals, even if a repeat of Liverpool’s run to the 2015 FA Cup semi-finals, when Borini was part of the side that lost to Aston Villa in the semi-finals, is unlikely.

What is more realistic is the possible qualification to the third round, and the possibility of returning to Anfield or the Stadium of Light.

“It is a goal I would like to achieve,” he added. “It would be nice to have some experiences in those stadiums, with the warmth of the club. This will stay in your mind forever.”