Luca Toni reveals he left Hellas Verona after their promotion to Serie A because of director of sport Filippo Fusco. “There was no reason to continue.”
Toni was a hero to fans as a striker, then remained at the club with their staff, but announced his resignation last week.
“Director of sport Filippo Fusco said: ‘I am in charge here and I make all the decisions.’ So at that point I realised there was no reason for me to continue,” explained Toni.
Luca Toni reveals he left Hellas Verona after their promotion to Serie A because of director of sport Filippo Fusco. “There was no reason to continue.”
Toni was a hero to fans as a striker, then remained at the club with their staff, but announced his resignation last week.
“Director of sport Filippo Fusco said: ‘I am in charge here and I make all the decisions.’ So at that point I realised there was no reason for me to continue,” explained Toni.
“I found a wall in front of me and that was hurtful. It’s not as if the guy telling me these things was, I don’t know, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
“I thank President Maurizio Setti, who I admire as a person, but if there’s no sharing of opinions or even the chance to give a bit of advice, I cannot grow here.
“It’s not my fault if my name is Luca Toni or if the fans pay more attention to me. I didn’t want to be a weight and I came to Verona with humility.
“The promotion this season is not a big achievement. SPAL had an extraordinary season winning the Serie B title, but we had a wage bill of €14m and that was something I had pointed out in the club.”
Toni also revealed he had tried to sign old friend Antonio Cassano at the Stadio Bentegodi.
“In my view, Cassano would’ve been a precious addition to Hellas. We need experienced players in Serie A and he would’ve arrived with the right spirit.
“In any case, I was happy at Verona. I will remember the Capocannoniere title and the celebrations when I retired as the sweetest memories. I will always carry this city and Hellas in my heart.”