Friday, 22nd April, 2011
Despite Kenny Dalglish floating the possibility of Alberto Aquilani returning to Liverpool in time for next season, the Italian himself is certain he wishes to stay at Juventus.
Aquilani has rediscovered his form in Serie A and the Bianconeri are keen to complete a deal for the midfielder, but at less than the €16M specified in the original agreement signed by then-Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool last summer.
"I want to be a major player in this winning new cycle that is beginning", said Aquilani to Gazzetta dello Sport. "I know it’s hard to think about results less, but the aim is to get wins for Juventus. I live this from the inside and I have no doubt."
But the former Roma man admitted that he is unsure exactly where negotiations with Liverpool are, even if he is certain he wishes to stay in Turin for a long time with the Bianconeri.
"At what point are the negotiations with Liverpool? I don’t know, really.
"My situation is simple. It all depends on Juve. If they want, buy me without asking anyone’s opinion. What I want? To stay in Turin for a long time. To win, a lot."
Liverpool are believed to be standing firm over their insistence that Juventus meet the previously agreed fee of €16M to turn Aquilani’s season-long loan into a permanent arrangement. Whether the Reds will be swayed into lowering their price because the Italian is keen to remain in Serie A remains to be seen.
Juventus on their part have already been linked with AC Milan veteran Andrea Pirlo for next season, a move Aquilani admits he would like to see.
"Pirlo? It would be great to have him here. He’s a top player, one of the greatest in the world."
Snapping up Pirlo however could well mean that Juventus see little point in splashing out big money on Aquilani.
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