Della Valle locks up Toni Thursday 27 July, 2006
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Reinstated Serie A side Fiorentina are not willing to let go of prize asset Luca Toni, underlining their intention to refuse any offer for the 29-year-old.
Diego Della Valle, the club’s Honorary President, maintains Toni is not for sale and will be part of the team which will try to overturn the 19-point deduction next season.
“Toni signed a new contract a year ago, a contract that he had asked for, and now he must respect it,” said industrialist Della Valle.
“Luca has become who he is thanks to everyone’s effort at Fiorentina and he owes this club a lot,” added the chief.
Reports earlier this week had suggested that the World Cup winner was on the verge of joining Inter.
Boss Roberto Mancini has made no secret of his admiration for Toni and is eager for the striker to join the newly appointed Italian champions. Inter could offer up to £17.8m for last year’s top scorer.
However, Toni – who has not yet returned from his vacation after the World Cup Final – has reportedly informed his agent Tullio Tinti that he has no intention of coming back to Florence.
“Everyone is free to say what they believe,” said Tinti after hearing Della Valle’s words. “Luca is not back from his holiday, but I will speak to him in the next few days.”
Viola Coach Cesare Prandelli would want Toni to stay, but also knows the risks associated with forcing a player to remain against his will.
On the other hand, Prandelli and his staff have already started their search for an alternative on the market, such as Ajax ace Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Udinese forward Vincenzo Iaquinta and Brazilian striker Fred, who plays with Lyon.
Speculation has also linked the Viola with Chelsea player Hernan Crespo, who it seems wishes to return to Italy after spending last season in the Premier League.
Any decision will now depend on Della Valle’s ability to keep Toni in Florence, which may prove to be a difficult task.