Bologna President Albano Guaraldi has warned away interested parties looking at Alessandro Diamanti: “He is going to be at Bologna next season.”
Bologna President Albano Guaraldi has warned away interested parties looking at Alessandro Diamanti: “He is going to be at Bologna next season.”
After impressing last term for the Felsinei, the playmaker was a surprise inclusion this summer in Cesare Prandelli’s Italy squad for Euro 2012.
After the former West Ham man managed to net the decisive penalty for the Azzurri on Sunday in their shoot-out with England for a place in the semi-finals, Guaraldi has acted quick to reassure Bologna supporters that they won’t be cashing in on him anytime soon.
The club actually only ensured 100 per cent ownership this weekend, after outbidding Brescia in a closed envelope auction because the two clubs couldn’t otherwise settle on his co-ownership status between them.
“We’ve redeemed a real ‘diamond’, we were keen to keep him,” reflected Guaraldi in recalling that silent auction process.
“We are very pleased to be able to hold the entire ownership over Diamanti after the envelopes. The player did much for Bologna last year and will do very well in the coming years.
“Will he remain here? With the trouble we went to in order to sign him in mind, then I will say that definitely he is going to be at Bologna next season.
“He’s exuberant and purposeful, nothing like what you have heard, he always manages to keep the spirit of the team up, he is a golden boy who deserves everything he has achieved so far.
“ A year and a half ago Bologna were on the brink of bankruptcy and now we are carrying on at the highest level. Having a player in the national team gives us prestige and satisfaction.”