Riccardo Montolivo’s agent confirms Milan-Fiorentina negotiations have started. “The two clubs made contact.”
The former Viola captain is on the market after refusing to extend his current contract, which expires in June 2012.
Riccardo Montolivo’s agent confirms Milan-Fiorentina negotiations have started. “The two clubs made contact.”
The former Viola captain is on the market after refusing to extend his current contract, which expires in June 2012.
“Yes, it’s true, the two clubs made contact,” Giovanni Branchini told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It’s up to Fiorentina now to decide what to do. We have taken a decision, which is not to renew the contract with the Viola, but we are not putting any pressure on them to leave Florence now.”
The club does not want to risk losing Montolivo as a free agent in 12 months and hopes to pick up at least €12m from a summer sale.
His position has become increasingly difficult, as fans hurled insults at the midfielder during training and he was stripped of the captain’s armband.
“I do not understand the bitterness of the fans,” insisted his agent. “If Riccardo were to stay here for another season, he would always guarantee the utmost effort. It wouldn’t be a problem for him to remain with the Viola for a year.”
Milan are the hot favourites to sign Italy international Montolivo, but Genoa are also showing an interest.