Vieri The Key To Kovacevic Transfer
Wednesday 4th July 2001
Darko Kovacevic has revealed that his move to Valencia depends on Juventus securing the signing of Christian Vieri from Internazionale. "Everything is based on the signing of Vieri. If he comes here then I will be given the green light to move elsewhere," he said.
The Yugoslavia international also admitted that he has turned down offers from Serie A to ensure his move to Valencia goes through.
Valencia president Pedro Cortes indicated earlier this week that the signing of the Yugoslav was a formality. Kovacevic's comments strengthen his case, although the former Real Sociedad forward admitted he would be willing to fight for his place at the Stadio Delle Alpi under new boss Marcello Lippi.
"I am 27 years old and I want to be playing every week for a team," stressed Kovacevic. "I have had offers from other Italian clubs but if I move it will only be to Valencia."
The Yugoslav, who left Real Sociedad for �14 million in 1999, has struggled to hold a down a first-team place in Turin. "People say that changing from Juventus to Valencia would not be a good thing, but I think it would give me the chance to play a lot more," he explained.
"Lippi may give me the chance to play more often here, but what I am not prepared to do is spend another season unsure of my place in the squad.
"I have scored 27 goals in the two season I have been here despite having been given limited opportunities. I also know that my family would be happier in Spain and that we could all live very well there."
The striker revealed: "I think that everything is based on the signing of Vieri. If he comes here then I will be given the green light to move elsewhere.
"If he does not [move] then there is still the possibility, but it would make things more complicated. Nothing has been decided yet because no-one at Juve has contacted me to let me know what is going on, but I know that it would be a dream to play for Valencia.
"I am very happy here at Juve, but I believe that playing for Valencia would see me improve even further. Because there has been nothing said to me then I am still thinking about playing next season here in Turin and impressing Lippi."
