Friday, 14th February, 2014
Lazio youth player Joseph Minala has vehemently denied claims he revealed his age to be 41, with the club now pondering legal action.
Minala, who is officially listed as being 17 years old, was alleged to have told an African news outlet he is actually 41.
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The club have themselves slammed the allegations, as the Cameroonian continues to turn out for Lazio's youth side in the Viareggio Cup.
Minala could join Lazio in seeking damages for the claims, as he told the club website: "I have read the alleged statements that have been attributed to a statement posted on the portal senego.net in which I confessed my real age as different than that which is in my documents.
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"These are false statements that have been attributed to me by people who do not know, and for whom I reserve every action of damage."
Lazio have already come out in full support of the midfielder, and insist the documentation is solid.
"Referring to press reports that appeared with respect to the age of Joseph Minala, Lazio confirms the absolute legitimacy of the documentation filed with the federal authorities," a statement read.
"The complaint is yet another attempt by hostile environments to throw sinister light on the work of the club.
"The club reserves the right to take action against those responsible, for the protection of the good name of the company and of the player."
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