April 26th, 2000
Cecchi Gori told Antognoni to stop Toldo

by Franco Calamai

"Toldo is not for sale". Cecchi Gori has instructed Antognoni to
          stop Toldo from "escaping". The president, who is on vacation
          with his wife, does not appreciate the statements made by Toldo
          and the goalkeeper could face a disciplinary action from the
          club.

          "The president - explains Antognoni - has asked Toldo to put
          some peace in his heart. Marginal negotiation don't exist, he
          will still play in Fiorentina next year. And he should know it.
          I don't understand the reason of his declaration. Toldo has
          probably spoken in a moment of bitterness, forgetting himself
          that Florence and Fiorentina deserve maximum respect. For
          example, I read that Roma would be his choice but it doesn't
          seem to me that they are any stronger than Fiorentina. The
          actual standings are not true to the real values of the two
          teams."

          Cecchi Gori, betrayed by the "messages" of his pupil, could
          cancel his appointment with Toldo and his attorney which suppose
          to take place next week. The film producer instructed Antognoni
          to propose an extension of the contract for another year with a
          strong increase of salary. An offer that could make him feel
          less bitter and forget the transfer to Roma, Lazio or Manchester
          even if he could earn around 6 million, more than double of what
          is proposed by Fiorentina. But Cecchi Gori has made up his mind.

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