Rino: I never wanted to leave Tuesday 20 May, 2008
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After committing his future to Milan, midfielder Gennaro Gattuso insists that he never considered leaving the Rossoneri.
It had been widely suggested that the fiery Azzurri star would be part of a summer clearout at San Siro after the Diavolo failed to reach next season’s Champions League.
But despite interest from Luca Toni’s Bayern Munich and English trio Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle, Gattuso announced last night that he will be staying put.
“It only took me five minutes to discuss my problems, which were not at all financial,†the former Rangers man said to news agency Dire.
“Carlo Ancelotti and Adriano Galliani listened to me and we are still friends like we were before. I will be here for three more years and I will finish my career at Milan.
“I never really thought about leaving this club because it wouldn’t be easy after nine years.
“When we went into the office, Galliani closed the door and told me that if I wanted to leave I would have to jump out the window. (IMG:
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“It took no time to clarify our positions and I felt the full affection of the club.
“When you wear this shirt you always want to win and at times you are left a little disappointed.
“The fans’ love is also important and I didn’t want to make the mistake that Andriy Shevchenko did and leave as a traitor.†(IMG:
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Vice-President Galliani was delighted by Gattuso’s sentiments, but claims that he never thought about replacing the talismanic ace.
“I relied on the deep feeling that always separate our club from others,†he stressed.
“I talked to Silvio Berlusconi yesterday and he told me what he wanted and then I told Rino what he had said. I couldn’t have imagined a Milan without Gattuso.â€
Gattuso remains under contract with Milan until 2011.
Channel4