Alberto Aquilani’s agent has dismissed reports linking the Liverpool midfielder with a move to Fiorentina, insisting the Italian is happy at Anfield.
PA PhotosAlberto Aquilani: £17 million signing
Aquilani, 28, is back at Liverpool after two seasons on loan in Serie A, first with Juventus and then with AC Milan, and is now hoping to make a mark under new manager Brendan Rodgers.
However, the £17 million signing from Roma was linked with a swap deal involving Fiorentina’s Juan Manuel Vargas in the Italian and English press over the weekend.
“Let’s not open up a soap opera, please,” agent Franco Zavaglia told Radio Sportiva. “Aquilani is a Liverpool player and he is happy where he is now.
“We have not received any requests from [Fiorentina sporting director] Daniele Prade, but that was only to be expected, seeing as Aquilani will only leave on a permanent move and at figures Fiorentina cannot afford.
“I would rule out a current return to Italy. At the moment Alberto is relaxed and on Tuesday he’ll attend pre-season training with Liverpool, as planned.”
Earlier this week, Aquilani said he believes he will have an opportunity to rescue his ailing Liverpool career under Rodgers.
“I had a very good talk with Brendan where we were able to share our thoughts and it was a very positive chat,” he explained. “I like his footballing philosophy and I like the mentality he has because it matches my own skills.”