Post by Taxigirl on Dec 13, 2003 9:38:49 GMT
Christian Vieri has rallied against the press in a fiery press conference, but insists he won’t leave Inter.
“For months now I have read complete fabrications about me in the newspapers,” snapped the striker. “I am angry because I have no problems and everyone is making me out to be depressed.”
Vieri raised eyebrows in recent weeks when he repeatedly refused to celebrate goals with his teammates, barely smiling when the ball hit the back of the net.
“I have tried to tell you all for the last 15 days that I am fine and concentrating only on training hard for the good of Inter. It seems that wasn’t enough.”
There were already reports of a January move to Chelsea and these only intensified after Inter were eliminated from the Champions’ League.
A bid from Chelsea was officially rejected in the summer, but what does he make of claims the move will go through next month?
“We are catching up to the leaders in Serie A and are in the running to win the UEFA Cup. What makes you think I’d want to leave now?”
The European exit was sealed on Wednesday, when a 1-1 draw saw the Nerazzurri slide out of the tournament.
“We didn’t get the result we needed in Kiev,” conceded Vieri, “but according to the press I am the only one who didn’t play well. You journalists know full well I don’t like you, but I still don’t understand why you gang up on me.”
The former Juventus and Athletico Madrid man is also a regular in the gossip columns since his split from girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis.
“I am forced to think that your issue with me is either pure spite or just jealousy,” added Vieri.
The impromptu press conference was held during the presentation of a calendar for charity, but the usually tight-lipped player took the opportunity to share his side of the story.
“Every day I read that I am unhappy, don’t train well and have issues with Alberto Zaccheroni or my teammates. It is all superficial and pathetic rubbish.”
“This is why I try not to make statements,” he noted, “but that doesn’t work either as I end up reading all sorts of lies someone has made up. I’ve had enough.”
YOU TELL EM ;D