Paolo Di Canio spills the ‘truth’ on how his Sheffield Wednesday career fell apart, he ‘loved’ the club

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Paolo Di Canio is just one of a number of eccentric and, equally, outstanding players who Sheffield Wednesday have had in their history.

Joining from Celtic in 1997, Di Canio spent two seasons at Hillsborough in the Premier League before joining West Ham United. One season later, Wednesday were relegated and have yet to return to the top-flight since.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
8	Bristol CityBristol City	39	14	15	10	49	42	7	57
9	WatfordWatford	39	15	8	16	47	51	-4	53
10	NorwichNorwich	39	13	13	13	61	54	7	52
11	BlackburnBlackburn	39	15	7	17	42	41	1	52
12	Sheffield WednesdaySheffield Wednesday	39	14	10	15	54	60	-6	52
13	MillwallMillwall	39	13	12	14	37	40	-3	51
14	PrestonPreston	39	10	17	12	39	46	-7	47
15	QPRQPR	39	11	12	16	45	53	-8	45

Danny Rohl and co. are hoping to break into the play-offs this term and end a 25-year wait for Premier League football, but there is plenty of competition in the race during the run-in. Some experts have tipped Wednesday for a late ‘strong ‘exciting’ spell of form.

The Owls may now have the likes of Barry Bannan and Liam Palmer as current fan favourites, but Di Canio’s impact in South Yorkshire cannot be understated in the 1990s. The Italian lit up Hillsborough during his stint and was an icon for many young supporters.

• READ MORE: Why Danny Rohl could poach Sheffield Wednesday ace with 17 goal contributions if he joins Leicester City

Paolo Di Canio explains Sheffield Wednesday exit

Controversy followed Di Canio around in his career both during and after being with Sheffield Wednesday, with the club still struggling away from the pitch under Dejphon Chansiri. Further punishments could come from unpaid wages.

Di Canio had other problems during his time with the Owls. Now, speaking via Football Italia, he has explained the terms of his exit after controversy in S6. He said: “It makes me sad. The supporters were always amazing to me, I think because I always gave them my best and maximum effort.

“They recognised that and respect me for it. When I left, and the way it happened, obviously they were happy at that time. This was because there was only one voice in the media telling the story. I tried to explain exactly what had happened because it wasn’t about anyone’s opinion. There was only one truth.

“The club scolded me and I said I understood this because I was banned for eleven matches. But after that, it was all in the newspapers and there were photographers outside my home everyday. I did my job as a professional because in any condition, I knew I needed to be fit and ready to come back.

“I felt it belonged to me and it had to be done right. Once someone called me, I would’ve been ready to show that I am a real professional. Nobody called… I used to call every week asking if I could come back to train.

“I used to ask Paolo to speak to them to help me get back. They always said it’s better if I waited some more. At the time, the chairman made an interview against me. I defended myself without club solicitors–they didn’t give me anything. I had to bring in international solicitors. There is no other truth. Only one.

“And that is what happened. I loved to play for Sheffield Wednesday, I related myself to people I met every day, whether that was in the office or the dressing room. But I could not work next to them anymore.

“So, unfortunately, I had to leave — otherwise I’d damage the club. I wouldn’t train happily, free, and with maximum desire. It wouldn’t have been good for anyone.”

• READ MORE: How Southampton truly feel about Shea Charles amid transfer exit talk for final eight Sheffield Wednesday games

Paolo Di Canio’s Sheffield Wednesday statistics and impact before West Ham exit

Di Canio could operate in most midfield and attacking positions, but his creativity and flair was what set him apart. His role at Wednesday meant he was more prolific than he had been at most other clubs.

His career may have had a sour ending at Hillsborough, but he was magnificent prior to that controversial red card for pushing Paul Alcock against Arsenal. He very much epitomises a ‘what could have been’ player from that era.

Wednesday fans will dream of having such maverick players on their books again one day, but will hope to fend off interest in Rohl for now. That is whilst their patience is wearing ever thinner with Chansiri currently.