April 25th, 2000
Toldo says goodbye to Fiorentina

by Luca Calamai

Rome -- "I have talked to Cecchi Gori and explained to him my
          position. I don't have further comments. I will do it when it's
          time in the right way. What was the president's reaction to my
          requests? I have a strong feeling that this time Cecchi Gori
          will sell at least one of his jewels. Me or Batistuta? We will
          see. I will meet him again before the end of the championship
          and it will be a decisive meeting".

          Francesco Toldo has already decided. He wants to leave Florence.
          A painful but inevitable separation. The national goalkeeper
          seeks new stimuli, new adventurs. He has already told Cecchi
          Gori everything. And he will repeat it next week.

          "I would like to clarify one thing: I didn't go to the president
          asking for more money. I'm not looking for a richer contract.
          Mine is only a technical problem."

          Roma has offered Antonioli and Di Francesco as an exchange

          "Roma wants me. Lazio has been courting me since last summer.
          And, I assure you, it has not been easy to live in a year
          besieged by market rumours."

          You would prefer to stay in Italy.

          "It's true. But..."

          But?

          "I can't choose my destination alone. It also has to be decided
          by the club. And Cecchi Gori would have less regrets selling me
          abroad. The president wants to build a winning team and doesn't
          want to strengthen the rivals who Toldo or Batistuta is sold
          to."

          Manchester United remains.

          "A prestigious club"

          That could offer an important technical compensation...

          "You know everything. But don't ask me the names of players.
          These are evaluations that are up to Cecchi Gori and his
          collaborators."

          Roma has some advantage?

          "I'm impressed by their fans, certain things a player cannot
          forget."

          Fiorentina, meanwhile, has not decided yet on who will train the
          team next year.

          "The problem is that the club is divided. Someone proposes a
          name and the others reject it. And vice-versa. The executives
          should be on the same side and find a common orientation."

          Trapattoni could stay...

          "He could. I don't know his intentions. However, for me I would
          always recommend him. And I believe the other players think the
          same. I have read some of their declarations after the game
          against Juventus at the Delle Alpi."

          Your position could change according to the name of the trainer?

          "I don't believe that."

          Let's talk about the national team: you will start against Portugal.

          "An occasion that I will try to exploit in the best ways."

          Can they change the system before Euro 2000?

          "It's difficult. the systems are already made. And I will
          respect it because certain 'moments' are better to experience
          them 'live' rather than in front of the television. Right?"

          Then in July, you will settle down.

          "On July 9. I have already decided to get married. I'm happy and
          excited. And determined."

          Which city will you go to live in?

          "Everything will be done at the right moment. I now think about
          the national team. Then I will try to conquer the qualification
          for the Uefa with Fiorentina. We are still on course to the
          finishing line. Then I will decide my future together with
          Cecchi Gori".

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