I'm Worth More Than �20m, Blasts Kily
Thursday 12th April 2001
Valencia midfielder Kily Gonzalez, a target for Juventus and Lazio, has vowed that he will not leave Spain for less than �20 million.
"Many things are being said about whether I will leave Spain at the end of the season," said Kily, "but whatever the clubs decide, the final decision is down to me and me alone.
"In Argentina everyone used to think that Italian football was the best league in the world, but now everyone believes it to be the Spanish.
"If I wanted to go and play in Italy I would come out and say so, but I am truly happy here in Spain. The league here is prettier, more attractive so I am not worrying about Italy too much."
But Kily admitted that although he has the final say, economic pressures may also have a bearing on which country he plays in next season.
"I understand that if the club and my advisors think about selling me then the numbers involved would obviously influence the matter," he said.
"If they pay over �20 million for me then I would have a difficult decision to make. That would be a sign that they truly want me."
Kily impressed in his first season at the Mestalla and was an integral part of the Valencia team that reached the Champions' League final last season. But this term, he has faced increased competition from young Spanish star Vicente and is now considering a move to Italy.
The former Real Zaragoza man hinted that he would move to Serie A in the summer: "I have a good situation in Spain," he said. "But at the end of the season, I really can leave. Italy is a good solution, a dream for any player. But before I decide anything, it is right to talk with my bosses in Valencia."
Juventus, who had been quoted a figure of �21.8 million, were reported to be prepared to offer Yugoslavia forward Darko Kovacevic as a make-weight in a deal to ensure the Argentinian signs. The Turin giants have become more interested in the South American since he was granted dual-Spanish nationality last December. He is therefore able to play with the status of a European Union national.
Last summer, Fiorentina offered �14.5 million for Kily, but Valencia valued the player at over �20 million. He has played in Spain since 1996, when he joined Real Zaragoza from Boca Juniors. He moved to Valencia in 1999.
