[Jager]

Couto given fresh chance
Monday 6 November, 2006
Parma have this evening confirmed that Fernando Couto has been reintegrated back into the first team squad.

The veteran defender was frozen out of the squad on October 29 after a verbal clash with sporting director Gabriele Zamagna.

However, the same club official has now revealed that Couto’s days of training with the youth team squad are over after successful talks on Monday.

“This morning, lawyer and board member Cappelli and myself met with the player,” read an official statement.

“At the end of the meeting we informed the player that he could resume training with the first team under the guidance of boss Stefano Pioli.

“The player said he was sorry. Although he will be fined, he is now at the full disposal of the Coach.”

It’s unclear of exactly what caused the rift between the two parties with Zamagna simply claiming that the Portuguese player’s comportment was not satisfactory.

Couto, now 37, will bring valuable experience to one of the youngest side’s in the top flight as they look to avoid relegation.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...lia/nov6o.html