Zamparini's Del Piero interest

Palermo president keen on Italian legend

By James Dall   Last updated: 12th October 2007

Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero

Del Piero: Palermo interest

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Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has admitted that he would love to bring Alessandro del Piero to Stadio Renzo Barbera.

The Italy international's contract with Juventus expires next summer and he has been locked in negotiations with the club regarding an extension.

But talks have reached an impasse - sparking interest from a number of teams.

Zamparini voiced his admiration for the Italian legend, but conceded that the club lack the resources to secure what would be an expensive transfer.

"I would sign Del Piero tomorrow morning (given the chance)," he explained.

"I wouldn't be able to pay his wages, but if there were sponsors who could help - our door is open."

Regret

Zamparini also spoke of his regret at losing the now Bayern Munich forward Luca Toni.

Toni moved from Palermo to Fiorentina for £7million in 2005, and went on to leave Italy to join the German giants in May 2007.

The Palermo president once again rued the club's lack of financial muscle, explaining that there was no way they could have held onto the powerful striker.

"I have regrets about Toni, but he had to leave and the same thing happened at Viola," he added.

"He earned £5million in three years and £6million in bonuses for moving clubs.

"When you talk about those kind of sums you need to be a side like Bayern, Barcelona or Real Madrid and there are only three giants in Italy of that stature."