Former West Ham star rules out summer exit despite interest.
Bologna ace Alessandro Diamanti has dismissed transfer speculation suggesting that he could leave the club this summer.
The former West Ham playmaker has been paired with both AC Milan and Juventus since the end of last season, after continuing his impressive form for club with country at the Confederations Cup last month.
Although a bit-part player for boss Cesare Prandelli, Diamanti has become a permanent fixture of the former Fiorentina’s coach’s squad, and is set for another vital season at the Dall’Ara after rejecting the advances of Serie A’s top clubs.
“I read many invented stories about me recently,” he told the Corriere di Bologna newspaper as reported by Football Italia.
“I have found a fantastic squad, spoke to my family and returned from vacation a few days early because I want to be ready for the start of the new season.
“I am the leader and captain of Bologna, so I have to be in the best shape.”
The trequartista has found consistency after settling back in his homeland following his stint at Upton Park, and is regarded as one of the most talented players in his position in Italy.
While a move to Milan had looked a possibility given their requirement to bolster their options in that role ahead of the new season, title rivals Juventus were credited with a strong interest too as they look to secure a hat-trick of Scudetti.
Nevertheless, judging by his comments on Sunday, Diamanti sees his future in Bologna, and will be hoping to help the club improve on their 13th place finish last season, while supporters will be reassured by his pledge ahead of the new campaign.
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