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Genoa President Enrico Preziosi: I Almost Signed Barcelona Star Lionel Messi For Como
The toy tycoon was tipped off about the Ballon d’Or winner during his time at Como.
Feb 18, 2010 11:17:00 AM
By Vince Masiello
Genoa president Enrico Preziosi has revealed he came close to signing Barcelona striker Lionel Messi while at the helm of Lombardy-based side Como.
“I was told I could have brought him home with €50,000,” the entrepreneur told Il Corriere dello Sport.
“But the Como directors rejected the deal. At the time, all the players I wanted to bring in at Como were not good enough.
“I still have regrets. If only I had listened to my head…”
But Preziosi was also in the mood to make other revelations, and explained how Lazio star Cristian Ledesma failed to impress the Como coaching staff during a trial.
“Not only did Ledesma have a trial with us, but he stayed there for several weeks,” said Preziosi.
“He didn’t have any passport issues, but was downright turned down for technical reasons.”
Como made their last top-flight appearance in 2002-03 and currently play in the Lega Pro Prima Divisione.
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“I was told I could have brought him home with €50,000,” the entrepreneur told Il Corriere dello Sport.
“But the Como directors rejected the deal. At the time, all the players I wanted to bring in at Como were not good enough.
“I still have regrets. If only I had listened to my head…”
But Preziosi was also in the mood to make other revelations, and explained how Lazio star Cristian Ledesma failed to impress the Como coaching staff during a trial.
“Not only did Ledesma have a trial with us, but he stayed there for several weeks,” said Preziosi.
“He didn’t have any passport issues, but was downright turned down for technical reasons.”
Como made their last top-flight appearance in 2002-03 and currently play in the Lega Pro Prima Divisione.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power for a free bet up to £50 |
|
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