Italian starlet turns down Arsenal and Real

By European Football
May 5 2005

Lazio’s Lorenzo De Silvestri has turned down the chance to join Real Madrid and Arsenal in order to make his name in the Italian capital. Currently captain of Italy’s Under-17 side he is attracting a lot of interest from some of the top clubs of Europe.

But speaking to Corriere dello Sport stated his intention to stay with Lazio saying:

"I read the Real story and I smiled.”

"But then I understood it was real and I feared it a little.”

"Real and Arsenal have followed me. I have no fear going abroad, but I want to be a player in Italy.”

"What I'm interested in more is being managed by Lazio, because I'm a Lazio player.”

"The contract is an aspect, not the only one, but it counts."

"The words of the club's general director have convinced me, but now I'd like it to be serious.

"I pretend nothing, but I'd like another season like this one. But I want Lazio, this has to be clear. And I believe in Lazio."