Wednesday, 3rd July, 2013
Hamburg’s merry progress in the transfer market under sporting director Oliver Kreuzer has hit its first major roadblock with Roque Santa Cruz rejecting a move to Germany.
Santa Cruz had been courted by Hamburg for many weeks now, with even club captain Rafael van der Vaart joining Kreuzer in urging the Paraguayan to sign.
Hamburg recently pulled off a coup by beating Hannover to the post in the race for Arsenal’s Johan Djourou, and were hopeful of adding Santa Cruz to their list as well.
However, the former Manchester City striker has declined the opportunity, with Kreuzer citing a less-than-sporting reason for the refusal.
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Kreuzer told the Hamburger Morgenpost: "His agent has told me that the deal has been cancelled, that is correct.
"Roque would have loved to come, but his wife did not take especially kindly to Hamburg for personal reasons.
"This is a shame, because Roque would have fitted in very well with us. But we have to accept the decision."
Santa Cruz is not short of options, however, with the same publication reporting that Stoke City were aiming to sign the forward.
In additon, Santa Cruz will also have the chance to experience Italian football with Bologna interested in gaining his services, according to Sky Italia.
Santa Cruz has already plied his trade in Germany – with a successful eight years with Bayern Munich – whilst he spent last season on loan in La Liga at Malaga.
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