Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Chelsea Striker Hernan Crespo Determined to Return to Italy, Despite Lucrative Offers

The ANNOTICO Report

Hernan Crespo is lethal, exciting and is every goalkeeper's nightmare.  One of the world's most prolific strikers and is a star for Argentina in World Cup play and the Olympics. (Profile Below).

 

Despite offers of a house, a private jet and more money from Chelsea, Crespo, says "The fact is I love Italy. The money and success don't come into it."

 

Crespo still keen on Italy

4 The Game, UK

Monday 24 July 2006

Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo remains determined to join an Italian club, despite Roman Abramovich's efforts to persuade him to stay at Stamford Bridge.

The Argentinian World Cup star has not managed to settle in London since his #16.8million move from Internazionale in 2003 and has even offered to take a pay cut in order to secure a return to Serie A, where he spent the majority of his career.

"Abramovich has offered me a house, a private jet and more money, but I told him I simply want to return home,'' the 31-year-old told Tuttosport.

"The fact is I love Italy. The money and success don't come into it.

"Italy is my natural environment, it is the place where I will live when I retire and it is the best place to play.''

He added: "I am waiting here, hoping my mobile will ring.

"I can just guarantee that I am a healthy striker with just one wish - to return and play my sort of football."

Crespo had been expected to return to AC Milan, where he spent the 2004-05 season on loan, but it is believed the Rossoneri cannot afford to make any major signings after losing their Champions League place as a punishment for their involvement in the Serie A match-fixing scandal.

 

Hernan Crespo  Profile:

Crespo made his international debut in February 1995 against Bulgaria. He played at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and was the leading scorer in Argentina's qualifying campaign for Korea/Japan, where he was used as a substitute. A regular in qualifying for the 2006 World Cup.

A protigi of Daniel Passarella at CA River Plate, Crespo spent three successful seasons at the Argentinian club, scoring 24 goals and winning two national championships as well as a Copa Libertadores in 1996.

Crespo moved to Parma FC, in 1996, where he overcame a difficult start to average a goal every other game. In 1999 Parma won the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia, with Crespo contributing 28 goals in all competitions. They added another Italian Cup the following season.

In 2000, S.S.Lazio had to pay a then world record 60m to acquire Crespo. In Rome, after another slow beginning, Crespo again flourished and finished the 2000/01 season as Serie A's top scorer with 26 goals in 32 games.  FC Internazionale Milano then handed over 20m, plus Bernardo Corradi, to secure his services in summer 2002.

Crespo in 2002, began his Inter career in explosive fashion, scoring nine goals in the first eight games in the UEFA Champions League, but he then sustained a thigh injury in January 2003 that limited his involvement as the Nerazzurri finished runners-up in Serie A and reached the last four in Europe

Crespo joined Chelsea FC in 2003 for 24.25m but was unable to settle in London, scoring ten times in 19 Premiership appearances. Crespo returned to Italy in July on a season-long loan at AC Milan, to be reunited with his former Parma coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Crespo, in 2004-2005 rediscovered his best form with eleven league goals and six in the Champions League, including two in the final against Liverpool FC, although Milan lost on penalties. Crespo returned to Chelsea for 2005/06 and scored their opening goal of the Premiership season.


Crespo was top scorer at the 1996 Olympic Games

 

 

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