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Ledesma sets Euro ultimatum Saturday 4 August, 2007

Cristian Ledesma has warned Lazio that failure to reach the Champions League proper will see him leave for Betis.

The club rejected an offer from Spanish outfit Betis Seville this week, but the matter is not over with yet.

“Ledesma will go to Betis if Lazio do not get through the Champions League preliminary round,” explained agent Vincenzo D’Ippolito.

The Biancocelesti managed to snatch a third-place finish in Serie A last season despite their three-point Calciopoli penalty.

However, their entrance to the group phase of the tournament depends on a preliminary meeting with Dinamo Bucharest.

“Betis have offered Claudio Lotito £14m, but they rejected it as they do not want to lose a player that Coach Delio Rossi considers to be crucial,” added Ledesma’s agent.

“Cristian has refused offers from other clubs to remain consistent in his choices. Next year, though, we will have to renegotiate his contract with Lazio.”

Argentine creative midfielder Ledesma joined the Aquile in 2006 after five seasons at Lecce, scoring two goals in 33 appearances including a sensational strike in the Rome derby.

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