[Forza_Roma]

We can typical rely on Prade to make accurate statements...hopefully this is true.

Pradè: Aquilani stays
Friday 13 June, 2008

Roma sporting director Daniele Pradè has no doubt that Azzurri midfielder Alberto Aquilani will stay at the Stadio Olimpico.

The 23-year old star developed in the Giallorossi’s academy and is seen as a crucial component in the future of the club.

Although Aquilani has stalled over renewing his contract, prompting interest from Juventus, Inter and Arsenal, Pradè isn’t entertaining the idea he may quit the club.

“As I have said before, Aquilani won’t be leaving Roma,” the Lupi director told ANSA.

“We aren’t even considering offers from other clubs because Alberto is under contract here until 2010.”

There was some confusion yesterday when a respected website published quotes from Aquilani’s father Claudio insisting Alberto’s priority was first-team football, rather than money.

Aquilani’s agent Franco Zavaglia has claimed that the interview was concocted.

“Regarding the words attributed to Claudio that have been published on a website, he wants to make it clear that he never released any official declarations about his son and the cub,” Zavaglia stressed.

Pradè was unwilling to enter into the controversy and dismissed the issue.

“I don’t want to make any response to Claudio Aquilani’s declarations,” he said.

“We have a relationship of the utmost reciprocal respect and friendship with him built up over years of sharing a love for the Giallorossi.”

channel4.com - Football Italia