The agent of Napoli midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has explained how “we angered” Torino and rejected interest from Chinese clubs.
Giaccherini appeared to be heading for Torino over the summer, interest in the former Sunderland man spiking after he helped Italy to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, yet he ended up at Napoli, burning bridges between Furio Valcareggi and Granata President Urbano Cairo in the process.
The agent of Napoli midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has explained how “we angered” Torino and rejected interest from Chinese clubs.
Giaccherini appeared to be heading for Torino over the summer, interest in the former Sunderland man spiking after he helped Italy to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, yet he ended up at Napoli, burning bridges between Furio Valcareggi and Granata President Urbano Cairo in the process.
“We did everything for him to stay at Bologna and he’d have also stayed willingly,” Valcareggi told La Reppublica di Bologna.
“We tried and them too, but the market took another road. Eventually, others arrived with heavy artillery. That’s football, and it works like that.
“The Euros kept his value high. At one point, Bologna decided they couldn’t afford him, but believe me when I say that they did everything possible to keep him.
“I spoke at length with Fenucci and Bigon and they made me intelligent proposals. Only one thing surprised me: that Donadoni, the Coach who had revived him, never called during the European Championship.
“He doesn’t have a permanent place at Napoli? Giaccherini was in a midfield of Pirlo, Vidal, Pogba and Marchisio but played in 80 percent of Juve’s matches, collecting all the bonuses linked to attendance.
“By going to Napoli, we angered Cairo and not only a little bit. We’d already done everything! The agreement had been found in Forte dei Marmi, on the same table where [Cairo] signed Immobile.
“Those were the days when he was buying RCS and equally devoted four hours of his time to me. He’s a gentleman.
“Shortly after that, however, Giuntioli from Napoli called me and offered me a deal that I couldn’t refuse.
“Reluctantly I called Cairo, who rightly didn’t take it very well. At Napoli, we’ve found an ideal situation.
“We essentially secured ourselves the same English treatment for three years. It’s like staying at Sunderland but with a house in Posillipo.
“It’s not bad, in fact. They want him in China, but you only go there for the money.”