Zanetti: “Juve had any intention of renewing my contract”

Fiorentina signing Cristiano Zanetti blasted Alessio Secco’s “absurd lies. Juventus had no intention of renewing my contract. They lacked respect.” The midfielder completed a surprise transfer to the Stadio Artemio Franchi and director of sport Alessio Secco suggested yesterday that it was their last chance to cash in on the veteran. “Let us not say absurd things, this story needs to be explained properly. I took into account Juve’s behaviour towards me and looked around at my options,” Zanetti told the Gazzetta dello Sport. “They never had any intention of renewing my contract and I was the only player there with a year left to run on his deal.

“They lacked respect. I heard Secco saying some things that I really must rebut. He claimed I had asked for a first team place, but I have never in my life requested such a thing. “My guarantees are hard work on the pitch. Secco said I demanded a three-year contract, which is another absurd lie. “How could I request a three-year deal when we never even discussed my contract? I didn’t speak to Secco at all.” The Bianconeri director also noted that selling Zanetti for £1m was a bargain, considering he had so many injury problems. “I don’t think I was the only one to be injured at Juventus in the last year,” retaliated the 32-year-old. “If that was the problem, they could have offered me a one-year pay-as-you-play contract.” Instead he penned a two-year deal with Fiorentina and the option for a third, returning to the club where he started his career.”