Francesco Benussi has vowed to fight for a starting berth in Palermo’s goal, should the club not move him on this transfer window.
The Italian shot-stopper recently displaced Alexandros Tzorvas in Sicily as the Rosanero’s first-choice ‘keeper this season, but now finds his future at the club up for debate after Emiliano Viviano’s arrival from Inter.
Francesco Benussi has vowed to fight for a starting berth in Palermo’s goal, should the club not move him on this transfer window.
The Italian shot-stopper recently displaced Alexandros Tzorvas in Sicily as the Rosanero’s first-choice ‘keeper this season, but now finds his future at the club up for debate after Emiliano Viviano’s arrival from Inter.
Palermo today completed a €5m deal to purchase Genoa’s 50 per cent share in Viviano, with the Italian international then expected to be handed a starting role once he has regained match fitness.
“The President Zamparini told me that there was the chance in the market to take one of the best goalkeepers in circulation. There is a bit of regret and disappointment, but I see the glass as half full – there is some logic behind this.
“Palermo have acquired an international goalkeeper and improved the level of the team, even if there is some disappointment because I think I played well when called up. But, Viviano is a friend and a top class goalkeeper.”
Benussi then revealed his ambition is to remain at the Renzo Barbera, despite the increased competition. His first chance to stake a first-team claim is in this weekend’s trip to Chievo.
“Here I am happy, I’ve been in Palermo for two years, I want this shirt and I think I have demonstrated so. The problem of leaving is not there, but it is obvious that the club has four goalkeepers and thinks that the only one that can move is me.
“My desire is to remain. Will it be my last game for the club in Verona? I’m 30-years-old and a goalkeeper with the attributes you want to react to this situation.
“Definitely I have lost the confidence of someone, but this is football, it goes on and I must find the strength and competitiveness to react.
“I do not deny that I am embittered by this, but Viviano is an important goalkeeper, I have to keep doing what I have been, even if it would be better to do so with more confidence.”