Juventus to tempt Taddei
Sunday 3 July, 2005
Juve could swoop for Rodrigo Taddei amid the uncertainty over Roma』s transfer embargo, but the Brazilian is confident he』ll stay in the capital.
「To play with the Giallorossi jersey is a dream I have had since childhood,」 said the former Siena midfielder. 「I grew up in the era when Falcao was a Roma legend, just as Cerezo, Aldair and Cafu went on to be.」
Taddei sat out six months of the last season because Siena were unhappy that he refused to negotiate with any club other than Roma, but his free transfer could now be in doubt.
The transfer embargo imposed on the club as a result of the Philippe Mexes fiasco could yet include the moves that were already sealed, but only contractually came into effect on July 1.
With this in mind, it』s reported that Juventus are trying to prise Taddei away from the club as, technically, he is now a free agent. The Bianconeri had already been in talks with the Brazilian before he sealed his move and consider him a cheaper alternative to Roma』s Amantino Mancini.
「I am certain that Roma will challenge for the top of the table this season and I』ll give everything I have to help them,」 insisted the player. 「We have people of great quality here, such as Francesco Totti, but above all the solidity of the squad will be crucial.」
He is looking forward to one game in particular, as the Rome derby is already circled on Taddei』s calendar.
「I have played against Lazio in two and a half games and scored three goals, so I hope to maintain that trend with Roma. The Derby della Capitale is a fascinating fixture and any player would love to take part in it at the Stadio Olimpico.」