[Jager]

While newspapers in Italy believe he’s already agreed a deal with Milan, Alberto Gilardino admits he’s still got his eye on a move to Roma.


“There was the chance to join the Capital club this summer,” revealed the 22-year-old who will face the Giallorossi this Sunday, “but then I decided to stay at Parma for another season and I think it was the right choice. I definitely won’t leave in January, but we’ll see what happens in June.”


The Italian international shot to fame as the replacement for Adriano in the second half of last season and he has been on the wish-lists of most top clubs. Juventus and Milan were touted, but throughout he had one club in mind.


“I don’t know if the Roma move has been shelved for good. It’s a wonderful city with a big club and passionate fans. This year my Under-21 international teammates Daniele De Rossi, Ivan Pelizzoli and Matteo Ferrari pressured me to join them and negotiations were in place, but for a series of reasons we couldn’t reach an agreement.”


Gilardino would above all relish the opportunity to create a world class and all-Azzurri trident attack at the Stadio Olimpico.


“Francesco Totti is one of the best players in the world and Antonio Cassano is just unique! Vincenzo Montella is doing great things with Roma now, so I don’t think they really need me.”


The European Under-21 Champion was also linked to some foreign giants, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, but rules out a Premiership move. “I would definitely choose La Liga if I were to go abroad, as it’s just too cold in England.”


Meanwhile, the chilly striker is looking ahead to a new experience with Coach Pietro Carmignani at the Stadio Tardini.


“We spoke and I immediately understood where he was coming from,” concluded Gilardino. “We tested out the system we used last year with Domenico Morfeo supporting me and that can be a real boost for our attacking potential.”

Playing up front with Totti, dream partnership?