Christian Vieri: ‘Just like the West Indies, you’ve got to be confident in life’ Christian Vieri, the former Inter Milan striker known for his remarkable career in both Spain and Italy, has a passion that extends beyond football—cricket. Growing up in Sydney, Vieri developed a deep love for the sport, which he still cherishes today. During a recent conversation in London, I found myself explaining to Vieri that organizing a cricket match with Sir Ian Botham would be quite a challenge. Not only do I lack the necessary connections, but the legendary cricketer is currently in Australia, recovering from an incident where he fell into crocodile-infested waters while fishing. Vieri's enthusiasm for cricket is evident; it’s not just a casual interest for him. He spent a significant part of his childhood in Australia, where the sport is a beloved pastime. This connection to cricket adds another layer to the life of a man who once held the title of the most expensive footballer in the world after his £30 million transfer to Internazionale in 1999. As we chatted, it became clear that Vieri's confidence in life mirrors the spirit of the West Indies cricket team—bold and unyielding. His journey through football and beyond reflects a belief in embracing challenges and pursuing passions with vigor.