Spurs target speaks on White Hart Lane move

By European Football
June 9 2005

Messina midfielder Carmine Coppola has spoken for the first time on his potential move to premiership side Spurs, talking to Italian radio Coppola stated:

“Yes it’s true, there has been contact with my agent and we have discussed the possibility of a move, but that is as far as it’s gone as yet.

“I would welcome a chance to play abroad at some point and the Premiership excites me, it is a fast moving game, one that I feel I am suited to.”

When asked on whether he felt a move away from Italy could harm his international chances he replied:

“I don’t think so, I know in the past that it has done, but times are changing. I am happy at Messina, I have been treat very well and I hope I have repaid that faith, but a move can be good for all parties and I think, this could be one of those cases.”

However Messina president Pietro Franza was not quite as magnanimous speaking to the Corriere dello Sport he said:

"The club are ever more convinced by the idea of not selling him."

"I know the English side want him. I've spoken with Coppola's agent too although no sums have been done.

"Coppola is our symbol and flags aren't sold.

"Tottenham insist on him but if they want to talk they must start offering €5 million. At that point we also might do a few evaluations with the player too."

He also had a different take on his international chances adding:

"Lippi paid him compliments. He has been touched by this and he's really charged in this fantastic moment.

"I don't think he would like to leave Italy and give up a possible chance with the national team."