April 1st, 2000
Toldo, is he staying or going?

by Luca Calamai

Florence -- "Since the beginning of the season I play with a
          rope around my neck. On one side they say that I'm untouchable,
          on the other I read that Fiorentina is looking for a new
          goalkeeper. Which is the truth? I have been able to stay focus
          and not to get distracted."

          Francesco Toldo breaks the silence. The appointment with Cecchi
          Gori has been postponed. The number 1 viola waits and holds back
          his breath for this decisive meeting. "I want to talk to the
          president. Only with him. Cecchi Gori is the only true
          representative of the team. What will I tell him? Since August I
          have lived with these market rumours. It's an unbearable
          torment. It's time to make things clear. I don't feel that I'm a
          prisoner of Fiorentina, I am well here. However, I have to
          understand so many things. Then after the discussion with the
          president I will make my evaluations. I have a contract with
          Fiorentina up to 2004. Perhaps one meeting won't be enough. We
          may have to talk 2-3 more times. We'll see."

          Toldo and his attorney will meet Cecchi Gori at the film
          producer's apartment probably on Monday. The goalkeeper will ask
          the president to release him. It will be an application not an
          ultimatum. Roma has made a lot of offer and so has Lazio.

          "Meanwhile we will try to beat Bologna and to qualify for the
          Uefa cup. It's a race we cannot fail. What do I see in
          Fiorentina's future? I would like the management to be quick on
          the transfer market. It would be important to repeat last
          season's operation. But I am a football player not an executive.
          Each has his own role. A message to the fans? They know very
          well how I think".

          A message for Zoff. "The coach said that I will be the
          goalkeeper against Portugal. I have waited for this opportunity
          for a long time. I have wondered why all other teams have tried
          their second goalkeeper but not Italy. I will do my best and
          show my value."

Taken from La Gazzetta dello Sport
www.gazzetta.it/lagazzetta
English translation by Jas (www.fiorentina-online.com)