Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Behrami Hopeful On Aquilani

Fiorentina's Valon Behrami hopes Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani will join him at the Serie A club.

Aquilani's future is uncertain after being linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, having spent last season on loan at Juventus.

Juve were not interested in signing the Italy international permanently but their Italian rivals, Fiorentina, are thought to be chasing his signature.

Reds owner John Henry hinted over the weekend that he still sees a future for Aquilani at Anfield, while the players' agent has previously cooled talk of a Viola move.

But former West Ham man Behrami remains optimistic of the 27-year-old arriving at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, insisting he would be a valuable addition to the Fiorentina squad.

"Aquilani to Fiorentina? He has excellent qualities," said Behrami. "With him I'm sure we could make a quantum leap.

"Aquilani is a major player that could bring excitement among the fans. He would be suited to our team."

Behrami, who joined Fiorentina from West Ham in January, admits he is finding pre-season training tough after three years away from Italy.

"We are working hard on the physical level," he added. "The preparation is very different from England.

"It has been three years since I worked so much in the pre-season and I'm no longer used (to it)."

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