[ FOOTBALL LIVE ]
(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 16 - 2018 Open winner Francesco Molinari,
Italy's only ever major winner, said Wednesday it was an honour
to be named Team Europe's fifth and last vice captain for the
Ryder Cup in Rome this autumn.
He said he had hoped to be playing again after becoming the
first European to bag six points from six matches in Paris in
2018, but his new role on the side of the course filled him with
pride.
"I'm very proud. I started 2023 with the hope of taking part in
this Ruder Cup as a player, but filling the vice captain role is
a great honour," said the 40-year-old from Turin, who will form
an unprecedented vice captaincy duo with his elder brother (42)
Edoardo.
"When I received (captain Luke) Donald's phone call, I didn't
think even a moment and I immediately decided to accept.
"I'm becoming part of a staff made up of great people. The most
beautiful moment that I have lived in the Ryder Cup was
certainly debuting alongside Edoardo in Wales (at Celtic Manor
in 2010) and feeling for the first time what it meant to be part
of Team Europe.
"It's really special to be with him again in Rome, in Italy and
therefore in our country.
"Wearing these colours is a source of pride and I'll do my all
to held Donald and the team to bring the cup beack to Europe"
(ANSA).
