Graziano Pelle's father: Without Van Gaal, my son 'would now be a carpenter'

Graziano Pelle has one man to thank for the fact he's now thriving as a professional footballer, according to the Southampton striker's father.

During an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roberto Pelle said that without the help of current Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal - who signed the striker while managing AZ Alkmaar in 2007 after he had spent his career toiling away in Serie A - his son would not be enjoying the success he's having today.

"If he'd never met the Dutch guru (Van Gaal), as well as (Ronald) Koeman, maybe my son would now be a carpenter or he'd be sitting with me in my van, selling coffee," said the elder Pelle.

"He's now realised his dream, after overcoming the disappointment of not being considered for the World Cup in Brazil. Finally somebody has noticed that there was an Italian who scored 64 goals in Holland."

Pelle made his national team debut earlier this week, scoring the winning goal for Italy in a narrow 1-0 victory over Malta in Euro 2016 qualifying. The imposing striker, who joined Southampton this past summer, is off to a flying start in the Premier League with 4 goals in 7 matches.

Van Gaal will likely be getting a Christmas card from the Pelle family in December.

- With translation from ESPN FC (UK)