Fiorentina net Brocchi loan
Saturday 18 June, 2005
Cristian Brocchi is now officially a Fiorentina player after he today completed his move from Milan.
Football Italia reported on Friday that a switch was imminent and the Italian has now put pen to paper on a Viola contract.
The midfielder, who had asked to leave the San Siro, joins on loan with an option to buy in 2006.
"It is an honour for me to be a part of this squad," said Brocchi. "I’m coming to Florence to give my best."
The 29-year-old becomes Fiorentina’s first signing of the summer following four seasons at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
"There are three reasons why I came here," added the former Inter man. "This club is ambitious, they have great support and a super Coach who I know well."
Brocchi will team up with new boss Cesare Prandelli again after they spent time together at Verona in the past.
"I can play in any position in which the Coach wants," continued Brocchi. "That can be on the left, right or in the centre of midfield.
"It will be up to Prandelli to decide where he wants me to contribute and I have total faith in his plans."
Brilliant move by i Viola.
Van der Meyde shown exit
Saturday 18 June, 2005
Andy Van der Meyde is looking for a new club after Inter told him he is no longer needed at the San Siro.
The Dutchman has struggled to settle with the outfit and his two-year stint in Milan will end this summer.
"I’ve been told that I am not a part of their plans for the future," the international winger revealed.
"There is no space for me in the team. They’ve offered me a few solutions but nothing has been decided yet."
Van der Meyde, who arrived from Ajax in 2003, has numerous options available to him after being linked with a host of clubs.
Everton and Middlesbrough are keen on him in the Premiership, while he could be offered to Valencia in exchange for Stefano Fiore.
The midfielder could also remain in Italy though as Roma and Fiorentina have been associated with his swoop.
Inter are likely to replace the 24-year-old with Real Madrid winger Santiago Solari, who could complete his move over the next week.
The Milan giants also want to sign Roma wide-man Amantino Mancini in an effort to finally solve their width problems.
Look at him bloom now he's gone from InDer.
Ze Roberto snubs Roma
Saturday 18 June, 2005
Roma look set to miss out on Ze Roberto after the Brazilian said he wants to remain with Bayern Munich.
The South American has been associated with the capital club after contract talks with the German club hit problems.
But the 31-year-old now believes he will be able to reach an understanding with the Bundesliga champions.
"I think that I can find a compromise with Bayern regarding an extension," he stated. "I’ll therefore remain in Germany."
The former Bayer Leverkusen player, who has also been linked with Inter, is a well-respected midfielder in the European game.
He’s currently on international duty with Brazil, taking part in the Confederations’ Cup.
Intelligent decision Zè.
Spalletti counting on Cassano
Saturday 18 June, 2005
New Roma boss Luciano Spalletti has outlined his plans for the side and hopes Antonio Cassano can play a part in them.
"I am honoured by this appointment and the negotiations took a decisive twist after I was able to free myself from Udinese," he said after penning a two-year contract worth £1.4m per season.
There have been strong reports that his arrival will be followed by that of Friuli star David Pizarro, although the £10m price-tag could push them towards the more affordable Guti of Real Madrid.
"We haven't discussed the transfer strategy yet and will look over the situation over the next few days. We want to keep all Roma's great players and that includes Antonio Cassano."
It is an important statement, as the ex-Bari prodigy is expected to leave in the summer for an £11m switch to Juventus.
His contract expires in 2006 and renegotiations are not going well, so a lot depends on how Cassano forges a rapport with the new Coach.
He has made no secret of his desire to work with Fabio Capello again and even this statement of faith may not be enough to hold him to the Olimpico.
"I am very satisfied to hand the Roma squad over to Spalletti," announced Roma President Franco Sensi.
"I know that the team is in good hands. I am convinced that after a difficult year we will start afresh and quickly return to challenging for honours with a side that has the quality to do so."
The Giallorossi have been through four Coaches since Capello joined Juve in May 2004 – Cesare Prandelli, Rudi Voller, Luigi Del Neri and Bruno Conti – and that uncertainty saw them battle against relegation and lose the Coppa Italia Final to Inter.
"Spalletti has proved how committed he is to taking charge of Roma and this represents great determination and character in my eyes," continued Sensi.
"We thank Bruno Conti for the sacrifices he has made over the last few months. I'm convinced that from this moment on Roma will be back where they belong."
Dream on Spal.