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| Amauri: Azzurri or not Azzurri? |
Tuesday 8 July, 2008
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Amauri admits he has still not decided whether to play his international football for Italy or Brazil.
The South American striker is eligible for both nations, as he has applied for Italian citizenship through his wife.
However, last week both Marcello Lippi and Carlos Dunga warned that they would only consider players who were determined and eager to choose their team.
“I shall wait a few months and think about it later. I still haven't made a decision,” conceded the Juventus hitman.
“I have applied for an Italian passport and now we are waiting for the paperwork to go through.”
Amauri had been eager to play for the Azzurri at Euro 2008 before red tape delayed the process.
Now that Roberto Donadoni is no longer in charge of the side, new boss Lippi may reconsider how much he wants to convince the ex-Palermo striker.
“My dreams and those of Juventus match perfectly. I hope this team can be the main protagonist in Serie A and the Champions League.
“Personally I hope to give an important contribution. I have been doing well in Italy for three years now, but still have to prove my true worth.”
He is the Bianconeri's big summer signing and set to earn £2.8m per season for four years.
“My first impressions of Juve are excellent,” he said from their pre-season training camp at Pinzolo.
“I found a fantastic group of players who knew how to put me at ease and confirmed what I knew of this massive club.
“I hope I can soon repay the fans for all the affection they have given me over the past few days. There is a lot of competition at Juve, but I am accustomed to earning my place.
“It will be more difficult here, as there are so many champions in the side, but that can only be for the good of the team overall.”
Some have even compared Amauri to former Bianconeri hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is now at Inter.
“I heard similar comparisons when I was at Chievo. Of course they are pleasing, because he is a great champion who also did well in Turin. Obviously, I'll try to do even better than him.”
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Selecao send Amauri signal
As Amauri prepares to take Italian citizenship, Brazil Coach Carlos Dunga accuses him of lacking patience and conviction. More |
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