Joaquin looks to Italy
by Nadia Carminati - Last Updated 18 Nov 2004
Real Betis star Joaquin has expressed his interest in moving to Italy, admitting that his desire to join Real Madrid is fading.
Joaquin, who has a huge contract at the Seville club and a release clause of €60 million, has been eyed by Chelsea and Real Madrid for some time, but told the Italian press that he would like to play in Serie A.
"There have been rumours about Real for two years and that is not an easy situation," said Joaquin.
"Two months ago I met Florentino Perez and told him that he had probably lost the right moment to sign me and that I will probably look elsewhere.
"That would probably mean a big club in Italy, one that is competing in both the title and in European competition.
"I have yet to make my debut in Europe and this makes me angry.
"[Juve boss] Fabio Capello is a great coach and he was interested in me when he was in charge at Roma.
"They have a good squad but it is well known that he likes a big and competitive group of players.
"I'm under contract at Betis until 2010, and I feel good in Seville.
"It's also fair to say that the president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera has recently admitted he could surrender to the temptation to sell me if we keep getting big offers.
"I'm calm. I want to regain my place in the national side with Luis Aragones who is a really exciting coach then the rest will come. I am still only 23."