VERON: I WOULD HAVE STAYED AT LAZIO
Veron was acquitted of involvement in a conspiracy that provided the Argentine star with EU status, with the Italian court deciding that the midfield star had no knowledge of the events.
However, the reslutant bad blood between the player and the club hastened a move to England - that otherwise would not have come about.
"Had there not been all the trouble with the passport row then I think I would have stayed at Lazio," Veron admitted.
"I didn't want any other side but I think I made the right decision to leave, but I'll never forget Italy and I thank the fans for their support. It would be great if I could return one day.
"Important players like [Gaizka] Mendieta and [Stefano] Fiore have arrived to replace the players who left. Pavel Nedved is a player that I personally never would have sold.
"And now Jaap Stam has arrived - a player that can help out in the defence - I think Lazio can fight for the Scudetto and the Champions' League. Even if I believe that Juventus will win Serie A."
The Manchester United star admitted that attitudes differ between the two giant clubs - with a more relaxed attitude suffusing the English Champions.
"Manchester have a great organisation," added Veron. "At Lazio there was more will to become a great club and they did everything to make sure that the players could concentrate only on the football.
"But here in England everything is calmer."
