Palermo renew Inter attack Sunday 11 July, 2004
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Palermo chief Maurizio Zamparini has launched another attack on Inter’s working practices after the Javier Chevanton move collapsed.
Lecce had agreed to sell the striker to the Rosanero this week, but on Friday evening Zamparini claimed Inter were in talks with Chevanton’s agents to steal him out from under their noses.
The Nerazzurri demanded an apology and threatened to sue Zamparini, but he has added more fuel to the fire.
“In all out transfer targets this summer I have found Inter there as well,” he snapped sarcastically. “From now on I’ve told my directors to ask permission from the Nerazzurri before contacting any player.”
Relations between the two clubs were already strained after a deal with Nicolas Andres Burdisso crumbled so that he could join the San Siro outfit instead, but the Chevanton saga is a curious one.
“There should be a certain style and professionalism between Presidents,” continued Zamparini, “and I thought that Inter had that.”
“If I am proved wrong about this, then I’ll call Massimo Moratti personally and apologise ten times. But if Chevanton does join Inter and is then loaned out to Fiorentina, as I expect him to be, then those involved should have nothing but shame in their hearts.”
Both Inter and the Viola have publicly denied making a move for Chevanton, while his owners Lecce claim these clubs have never approached them.
“My bitterness is not so much with Chevanton,” added the Palermo chief, “but rather because of this lack of co-operation between clubs. I wish we could go back to the good old days, as there are no values anymore. I am still waiting for Moratti’s phone call to tell me why Burdisso changed his mind at the last minute.”
Zamparini ended his tirade with a look to the future and their post-Chevanton transfer policy included another dig at the Nerazzurri.
“We have everyone we need in defence and attack. We’re now looking for a midfielder, so I’ll ask Inter if I’m allowed to sign Simone Barone of Parma or Chievo’s Simone Perrotta.”