[Jager]

Official: Napoli grab Gargano Tuesday 24 July, 2007

Napoli have beaten the competition to snatch Uruguayan international midfielder Walter Gargano, confirmed the club.

Gargano turns 23 years of age later this week and has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the newly promoted side.

The Copa America star had been eager for a move to Serie A, but earlier today his agent had suggested the San Paolo would not be his destination.

“He’s close to Lazio,” explained Vincenzo D’Ippolito. “The lad wants a big club and, with the Napoli talks having collapsed, only the Biancocelesti can satisfy his requirements.

“Atalanta were very interested but, with all due respect, they are not one of the big sides. Fiorentina could’ve been, but there’s very little chance of that happening. He’d forge a great midfield partnership with Cristian Ledesma.”

Instead only a few hours later Napoli announced the arrival of Gargano and it seems that the intervention of fellow Uruguayan Napoli star Mariano Bogliacino proved decisive.

“I am very happy to have had Gargano’s handshake, albeit only across the phone, to complete this deal,” said President Aurelio De Laurentiis.

“Director general Marino had already reached an agreement, but could not formalise it until the player got his EC passport.

“Other clubs had tried to intercept the negotiations, but Gargano was only interested in Napoli and I welcome him to the Azzurri.”

Gargano has played the last four seasons in Uruguay with Danubio, scoring three goals in 83 appearances.

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