Astori rejects Spartak switch

Cagliari defender Davide Astori has confirmed he has turned down a proposed move to Spartak Moscow.

I believe in Cagliari and the project, says Italy international

Cagliari defender Davide Astori has confirmed he has turned down a proposed move to Spartak Moscow. The Italy international had appeared set to join the Russian side this month in a four-year deal after the clubs reportedly agreed a 15million euro (£11.9m) fee. But the 25-year-old centre-back has revealed he wants to stay in Sardinia and achieve his goals with the Serie A outfit. "I want to thank the Spartak Moscow executives for their consideration, but I will remain in Italy and at Cagliari," Astori said on Cagliari's official website. "I want to give a sense of fulfilment to my career with the Rossoblu outfit. "I believe in this club and in the project. "I will try to do my best and have a starring role next season." The player's current deal ends in June 2014 but he is now expected to sign a two-year contract extension with Cagliari. Astori, a product of AC Milan's youth academy, has been capped once by Cesare Prandelli for the Azzurri, against Ukraine last year when he was red carded.