Palladino reveals English offer
Monday 4 December, 2006
Juventus striker Raffaele Palladino has admitted that he refused an offer from a Premiership club.
The 22-year-old has impressed this term in Serie B, with Coach Didier Deschamps being forced to rely on him lately due to the absence of several first-team players.
“I received an offer from a prestigious Premiership club, but I decided I wanted to stay in Italy,” said the Bianconero in an interview to the Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport.
“I have Juve in my heart, although I admit I had asked them to leave a while ago, when I was not getting any playing time.
“But I stayed because I hope to do well in Italy, but you never know what can happen in the future.
“I am aware that in a few weeks’ time many players will return from their injuries, but that will not change my attitude.”
Palladino’s playing time would have been further reduced had Zlatan Ibrahimovic not decided to join Inter in the summer, but the youngster admits that the Swede’s exit disappointed him.
“People say that I play like him,” he said. “I am sorry he left, as it would have been great to play next to such a great player and learn from him.
“In any case, I have many tapes of his matches and I am studying them. I like to enjoy myself when I play and entertain our spectators – I hope what I am doing is being appreciated.”
To conclude the interview, Palladino admitted that Juve have been unfairly treated by referees this term due to the Calciopoli scandal putting doubt into their minds.
“When in doubt, I realise the referees never take any decisions in our favour,” he fumed. “Supporters call us thieves, but we have not stolen anything.”