Giuly Announces-I'm A Roman
Ludovic Giuly has announced on his personal website that he has
agreed to a three-year deal with AS Roma.
The Catalan giants confirmed the transfer following reports in the
Italian media that the 31-year-old France international had flown
to Rome on Monday and agreed terms on the three-year contract with
Giallorossi.
Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain said: "The deal with
Roma is done, but the player has still to pass his medical and sign
the contract."
Giuly has now successfully completed that medical at Villa Stuart,
and is set to start training this evening at Trigoria with his new
team-mates - who include Francesco Totti and Giuly's compatriot,
the former Auxerre star Phillipe Mexes.
Giuly progressed through the ranks at Lyon as a teenager before
joining AS Monaco in 1998.
He left Monaco to join Catalan giants Barcelona after the French
club were beaten by FC Porto in the 2004 Champions League
final.
However, Giuly did pick up a Champions League winner's medal two
years later, when Barca beat Arsenal in the 2006 final.
He is ready to start a new chapter in his career in the Eternal
City, after missing out on last year's World Cup final in Germany,
and then having a mixed season season with Barca in La Liga.
His Roman adventure began when he travelled to Italy after Barca
accepted the Giallorossis offer.
Roma beat off competition from his former club Monaco and a host of
other top European sides to secure Giuly's signature.
He refused offers from six other clubs who were willing to spend
up to £6m for his services, but he chose Roma, transfer mediator
Ernesto Bronzetti revealed to Rete Sport.
Last night the difference between the request and the offer was
down to £210,000, I opted to give up on my fee to allow the player
to sign.
Giuly had been mentioned as a technical counterpart when Barcelona
were interested in Chivu. After the negotiations failed I
immediately offered the Frenchman to Roma, explained
Bronzetti.
