Batigol: To England for sure
GABRIEL BATISTUTA has told planetfootball that he is 'sure' to play in England, and also spoke of his admiration for the Internazionale fans that have backed him through a bad spell.
Batigol has not shown his true ability since leaving Roma under a cloud to join Inter.
The Argentine star was signed on a short term deal - as a replacement for compatriot Hernan Crespo, who picked up a long-term injury that prematurely ended his season in the winter.
Batistuta is desperate to realise his dream of playing in England, explaining that he is keen to get his sons involved in his football career.
"I will play in England," Batistuta told planetfootball, "this is sure.
"One of the key reasons for me is that you are often allowed to travel to the ground on the day, whereas in Italy you always travel the day before with the team.
"My dream is to go to football with my sons - and then for me to be on the pitch and them cheering me on from the stands."
The 34-year-old has a long-standing link to Fulham, with suggestions that a contract is in place, but the striker is keeping his options open for now.
Batistuta has faced criticism from Roma president Franco Sensi over his time with Roma - but will not wage a war of words.
"I have nothing to say about Sensi," insisted the Argentine star. "Everyone has a right to say his piece.
"I will say that my second season with Roma was poor - I scored only a few goals but I gave my best.
"Nobody could feel worse about it than me - I have always scored so many goals, so to get so few was a tragedy."
Long standing rumours of a feud with Crespo have always been denied by the players, something that Batistuta is keen to reinforce.
"I plead with the press to stop saying that I am against Crespo and Hernan is against me.
"The Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa prefers to play with one up front, and this is where all this has come from."
The former Fiorentina icon has always been warmly received by the Inter fans - despite a lack of impact up front, and Batigol is surprised at how popular he has remained.
"I am only sorry that I have not scored more goals," adds Batistuta.
"I am surprised that the Inter fans still love me, despite me not being so brilliant.
"My first two or three games were about me trying to adjust to my team-mates, then I scored a couple of goals.
"In the last few games I am disappointed, along with the rest of the team, with the displays we have put in.
"I think the tactic of playing with three forwards has not worked out.
"The team is built for 4-4-2, and we can only get away with playing the more attacking line-up at home."
