I Snubbed Real Madrid And Barcelona For La Viola - Melo

Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo has sensationally claimed that he snubbed offers from Barcelona and Real Madrid because he wanted to play in Italy.

Aug 13, 2008 2:35:37 PM

Felipe Melo, Fiorentina (Foto Grazia Neri)

Teams

The Brazilian signed for La Viola from Almeria this summer and a number of top European sides were after the midfielder.

Barcelona and Real Madrid showed interest but the player reveals he decided to turn them down.

“I signed for Fiorentina in January but I stayed at Almeria until June. There was an offer from Real Madrid and Barcelona made enquiries and this was a proud moment for me,” Melo told Folha.

“However, to come to Fiorentina I said no to Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“I am now at Fiorentina and nothing else matters. I decided to come here because it was a big move for my career and I am very happy here in Florence.

“I spent four years in Spain, Mallorca, Racing and Almeria but now I am a Fiorentina player and this is all that matters to me.”

La Viola beat off stiff competition for Melo and Pantaleo Corvino, the club’s transfer Guru, showed his prowess to muscle his way in and sign the player ahead of the other top sides who were after him.

Melo will now be looking forward to a successful campaign this term. The midfielder was outstanding against Slavia Prague on Tuesday night.

Salvatore Landolina