Candreva rules out Udinese return

Lazio midfielder Antonio Candreva has said in no uncertain terms that he has no desire to return to Udinese.

The 25-year-old joined the Biancocelesti on co-ownership deal from Udinese in January 2012 and has enjoyed a remarkable start to his career at Olimpico.

Candreva wasted no time in securing a starting berth at Lazio, with excellent showings earning him a recall into the national team.

Having managed to kick-start his career at Olimpico, the Italy international is desperate to remain in Rome.

“Before I signed for Lazio in the summer, I spoke in secret with Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo,” the midfielder explained to Il Tempo.

“I went to Udine and told him that I no longer had any intention of playing for Udinese. I had to extend my contract with them until 2014 in order to facilitate my switch to Lazio.

“I want to stay at Lazio until 2014 and that is what will happen. They know that at Udinese.”

Candreva was widely regarded as one of the most talented midfielder in Italy when he joined Juventus in January 2010, but his career has taken the wrong turn since.

The move to Lazio, nevertheless, had a very positive effect for the player, as he went on to score 6 goals in 28 Serie A games for the Biancocelesti.

Candreva also made two substitute appearances for Italy in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, before starting the friendly against Denmark.