Friday 24th May 2002
Fabio Cannavaro is on a collision course with Stefano Tanzi after the Parma president revealed that the Italy defender would not be sold this summer.
Cannavaro remains on good terms with the club, but has been angling for a move after a disappointing season that saw the Gialloblu flirt with relegation.
Parma recently turned down a £23 million bid from Juventus, and are intent on holding onto their prized asset after strengthening the squad by signing Brazilian striker Ardiano and defender Matteo Ferrari from Internazionale on Thursday.
"If another team wants me they will have to pay Parma's £23 million asking price, I don't think they will accept anything less," Cannavaro said.
"Parma's project is to reduce their costs and build a young team. They are extremely ambitious but I want to compete for the Scudetto and I don't know if here it is possible here."
Tanzi insisted on Friday that both Cannavaro and striker Marco Di Vaio would remain at the club.
"We have decided that for the moment Fabio will stay," Tanzi said.
"Our roster is now almost complete and with Adriano we believe to have a great team. He's the perfect partner for a speedy forward like Di Vaio."
Parma paid close to £13 million for Ferrari and a stake in Adriano, in whom Inter retain an option to buy back at the end of next season.
But Tanzi is not concerned that he is stretching the club's budget in a summer when club's such as AC Milan are looking to trim their wage bill.
"We have spread the payments out over the next four years," he said. "Don't forget that Parma's financial position is extremely strong because we have administrated our resources very well over the past two years."
Fabio Cannavaro is on a collision course with Stefano Tanzi after the Parma president revealed that the Italy defender would not be sold this summer.
Cannavaro remains on good terms with the club, but has been angling for a move after a disappointing season that saw the Gialloblu flirt with relegation.
Parma recently turned down a £23 million bid from Juventus, and are intent on holding onto their prized asset after strengthening the squad by signing Brazilian striker Ardiano and defender Matteo Ferrari from Internazionale on Thursday.
"If another team wants me they will have to pay Parma's £23 million asking price, I don't think they will accept anything less," Cannavaro said.
"Parma's project is to reduce their costs and build a young team. They are extremely ambitious but I want to compete for the Scudetto and I don't know if here it is possible here."
Tanzi insisted on Friday that both Cannavaro and striker Marco Di Vaio would remain at the club.
"We have decided that for the moment Fabio will stay," Tanzi said.
"Our roster is now almost complete and with Adriano we believe to have a great team. He's the perfect partner for a speedy forward like Di Vaio."
Parma paid close to £13 million for Ferrari and a stake in Adriano, in whom Inter retain an option to buy back at the end of next season.
But Tanzi is not concerned that he is stretching the club's budget in a summer when club's such as AC Milan are looking to trim their wage bill.
"We have spread the payments out over the next four years," he said. "Don't forget that Parma's financial position is extremely strong because we have administrated our resources very well over the past two years."
:fero: :fero:
