Roma shut Emerson door Saturday 10 July, 2004
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The Giallorossi may have conceded they could be forced to sell Emerson to Juve, but insist he will be called for pre-season training if they don’t receive £12m.
“The training camp begins on July 13,” explained director of sport Franco Baldini this morning, “and Emerson will be called in like all the other players for tests. We will see what happens.”
It was Baldini who sparked reports of an imminent switch after telling a radio station, “We need to take into account the fact that we are forced to sell him. It would be a costly error if we keep him until his contract expires. It would also be a mistake on a footballing level as Emerson’s mind is elsewhere.”
However, the transfer guru was quick to stress that he had been “misinterpreted,” as the long-awaited move to Turin is far from certain.
“The only offer we will accept is £12m or £10m plus Manuele Blasi,” Baldini told ‘Rete Sport’. “The former Parma midfielder is the only player we will negotiate for as part of this deal.”
Juventus have so far offered only £7m cash plus Matteo Brighi, who is not of particular interest to Coach Cesare Prandelli.
“I always try to find a solution to problems with negotiations,” added the Roma representative, “but it has to be a two-way street with a good dose of common sense.”
This is just the latest bitter clash between the two clubs, as last summer Juventus snatched Nicola Legrottaglie from under their noses when a deal had already been announced. Fabio Capello was the Roma Coach at that time and this week suggested they should create an alliance with the powerful Northern clubs instead of arguing with them.
“That’s all well and good,” responded Baldini, “but to be allowed at the table you need some signal of good faith from others. Give me a sign that Roma are wanted, otherwise it’s too easy to make these statements. If we find a suitable solution for both sides, we’ll become honest opponents rather than friends.”
As for their other signings, Roma are expected to complete the move for Parma defender Matteo Ferrari on Monday. The Italian international will arrive in exchange for £3m plus the loan of defender Cesare Bovo and co-ownership of youth product Ferronetti
this is jus getting silly now, im soo bored of the emo thing, get it sorted and steal mexes...keep the fans happy moggi or u may have a inter on u hands.