Sampdoria goalkeeper Emil Audero reflected on the January transfer window and why he turned down Nottingham Forest to stay in Liguria.
On transfer deadline day in January, the Premier League side were ready to pay around €10m to sign the 26-year-old Italian shot stopper, proposing a €1m loan deal with a €9m obligation to buy clause attached.
Audero’s salary would have risen significantly had he accepted the move, with three different performance related add-ons worth up to €800,000 each. He ultimately rejected the move and proved his loyalty to Serie B bound Sampdoria.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Audero explained why he turned down Nottingham Forest’s offer in January.
“I thought every effort was needed to get out of this situation. I had an offer, but I had to return the trust I received here, it was not right to leave like that.”
Things have been incredibly difficult for Sampdoria, who are experiencing their worst ever topflight campaign this season.
On the pitch, poor results have left the team rock bottom of the Serie A table, and off the pitch financial issues plague the Ligurian outfit, forcing the players to waive one month’s wages to avoid a point deduction.