The Amauri deal is the only exception, but thats only because it was an endo-Italian deal.
We were dealing with a lesser team, somewhat friendly and in our conditions.
Signing a foreign player, of great prestige, from a foreign team, is smth that Secco has failed to deliver under any kind of competition and pressure, at acceptable terms.
The only exceptions would have been Mellberg, but we couldnt get him when we needed him the most.
Tiago, a player who couldnt and cant, get a better contract, than the one we offered/over-payed.
And lately Sissoko, who humiliated us, when he has felt that his market value and his role in the team had any value. Only at the reduced for transfers interest and by the threat of ending his contract and becoming the 3-4th choice subber Sissoko was convinced to join us. Mostly thanks to CR's persistence...
Secco has never done anything to prove that he can sign a premium player like Diego, from a foreign team and against some serious competition.
That would really be a first and would really work wonders in my eyes, regarding his esteem...
it is also a far easier transfer comparing to the even more prestigious targets of Ribery and Silva. For them, we are facing much tougher competition and we have to deal with prestigious clubs, who great experience in the negotiating field...
Diego was our only realistic chance to avoid a Poulsen/Tiago...