Massimo Maccarone has been told to accept a move to Cesena or sit in the stands for the rest of the season.
Palermo place striker on transfer list
Massimo Maccarone has been told to accept a move to Cesena or sit in the stands for the rest of the season after being placed on the transfer list by Palermo.
The former Middlesbrough striker only joined the Sicilian club on a three-year deal last summer but has been granted limited opportunities to impress.
Palermo have now decided he is surplus to requirements and are prepared to listen to offers before the end of the month.
"He was an important investment for the club and we were satisfied when he arrived," vice-president Guglielmo Micciche told
Mediagol.it.
"It seemed great, but the set-up of the team with two playmakers and just one striker seemed to have sacrificed him.
"There are four strikers, but just one place. Abel Hernandez and Mauricio Pinilla are on their way back, Fabrizio Miccoli has recovered fully, and so we knew Maccarone would be playing little."
Disappointment
The news has come as a blow to Maccarone, who has vowed to keep training as hard as ever while he remains at the club.
"I would have liked to respect the contract with Palermo, but the club have informed me of their decision to sell me," Maccarone told
reterete24.it.
"I don't like the situation that has arisen because in Palermo I'm happy, everything is okay with coach (Delio) Rossi and with my mates and as long as I can stay here I will work with the same commitment as ever."
Palermo have made it clear that he has no future at the club, however, and have warned that he will not play again this term if he does stay.
Cesena are the only club to have expressed an interest so far, with Maccarone reportedly reluctant to join the Serie A strugglers as he is holding out for a bigger move.
"Either he joins Cesena or he will be in the stands until June," Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini is quoted as telling
Calcionews24.com.
