Albertini to Barca

[almilan]

Something of a surprise transfer, former Milan legend Albertini is going to Barcelona! Frank Rijkaard knows him well and he scored twice against barca in an epic 3all draw at the san siro a few seasons back when rivaldo got a hattrick. saw reports on goal.com and also this one from www.channel4.com

Atalanta are coming to terms with the fact that veteran midfielder Demetrio Albertini seems to be heading for Barcelona.

The Spanish League leaders formally enquired about the veteran this week at the request of boss Frank Rijkaard – who knows the player well from their days together at Milan.

It is rumoured that official confirmation of the transfer will come through on Monday, after the Nerazzurri’s trip to Lecce.

The Bergamo outfit are already alleged to have lined up a replacement for the former Azzurri captain.

Vincenzo Italiano of high-flying Serie B outfit Hellas Verona seems to be the most likely target.

Elsewhere in the transfer market, Palermo have netted former Reggina and Sampdoria ace Davide Possanzini for around £1m today.

The striker, who has been playing in the Second Division with Albinoleffe this term, has scored seven goals so far this season.


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Season 04/05 A table A scorers A fixtures B table B scorers B fixtures >Club info Atalanta Bologna Brescia Cagliari Chievo Fiorentina Inter Juventus Lazio Lecce Livorno Messina Milan Palermo Parma Reggina Roma Sampdoria Siena Udinese

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[Dave]

Yes I knowed that! Let`s wish him good luck in Barca! I hope he will play there well! :tong: :greed:

[ac_milan_foreva]

he was a great player and will always be remembered by milan but i think he is past his years and isnt capable of performing at a big team.

[iregk]

Have to agree, a legend but sadly his best days are behind him. Bit of a shock transfer for myself but given barca's problems with injuries to midfielders i suppose its a case of who is good and can play in europe...

[almilan]

yeah it was key he could play in the champions league, they are also signing maxi lopez argentine striker

[Henrik]

Good luck to Demi at Barca! :3band:

[PirloDaBest]

I second that emotion.

I hope he does well and has a good season for them. He will bring a lot of experience to the team. I just hope he isn't too influential. Know what I mean???

Coloccini can piss off too if he wants to go to Depor that much. I think he is useless anyway. And if we can get a good sum for him I think it would be silly to keep him. The money we get from him will pay for Cassetti/Mesto.

[jani]

I thought signing non-EU players during the transfer window isnt allowed? (Maxi Lopez)

Anyways, I think its a good transfer for Barca. Demi would only add much needed depth for them.

Good luck Demi.

[Goirre]

All the best for our :star: Deme :star:

[Rab]

Good luck to him, though I would question how much he can offer Barca given that he was playing with Atalanta this season, easily the worst side in Serie A. Looks like a squad signing to me.

[Gabrielle]

Exclusive interview with Albertini (from Barca's official website)



In this exclusive interview with fcbarcelona.com, Barca's new signing Demetrio Albertini explains how he came to sign and what he's hoping for at the club.


Albertini maybe a veteran in the game, but he's arrived in the Catalan with all the excitement of a youngster and he was clearly keen to join up with Rijkaard and the players when we caught up with him in his hotel room.

So, what's it been like these last few days since Barca expressed their interest in bringing you here?

"I've got to admit that I've been really nervous. I wasn't sure if it'd all work out, the negotiations had to be finished off. I was also with my Italian teammates everyday and they were all asking me if I'd be going or staying."

Were you surprised by Barca's interest?

"I tell you, at Christmas, my mind was just on Atalanta - everything was a surprise. I can't put into words how grateful I am to Barca for the interest they showed in me."

Was it Frank Rijkaard who got in touch with you?

"I spoke to Frank just before I left Italy. I'd turned my phone off -some of my friends and family didn't even know I was coming here, but I was getting very nervous about it all. Just before I left, I spoke to Frank and he explained why he wanted me here for my experience, because I am available for the Champions and just to help the team as best I can".

Had you ever though about joining Barca at any point during your career?

"It's just a dream situation. After having played for one big club, to get the chance with anotherBarca and Milan are two great clubs, but in the end it's your professional attitude that counts, be it here, or at Atalanta, Lazio or Athletico Madrid."

What memories do you have of Barca over your career?

"Plenty of games curiously enough I've never been on the losing side against Barca and I scored twice against them once. Perhaps the best memory I have is of my friendship with Pep Guardiola, who's of my generation. Then there's the stadium itself, which has to be one of the most beautiful in the world."

You played in the Spanish League for a season. How does it differ from Italy? Do you think that your profile as a player is more suited to the Spanish or Italian game?

"I GUESS THE Spanish League is more attractive and spectacular, whilstthe Italian game is more tactical. For me I just love my job, playing football."

So how would you describe yourself, as a midfield organizer r as more of a defensive player? Or maybe a combination of the two?

"I'd say that I'm good as an attacking midfielder, but I can also bring something to the team from a defensive point of view. I've also got a good shot and I tend to get goals from distance."

What was it like playing alongside Rijkaard at Milan? What role did you have then?

"Well I was only 20 then and my job was to build our game, though I also got through plenty of work. Frank had a great personality, strength and lots of quality. We were different types of players, but at Milan we'd interchange, so that if I went up he stayed, if he defended, I was freer and so on."

What's most caught your eye about Rijkaard's Barca?

"The way they keep possession. All of the team are comfortable on the ball, especially in a one on one situation, something that's always been typical of Barca it was always difficult to come to the Nou Camp as an opponent and win."

How do you see yourself fitting into this team?

"I've got to try and become part of the group and get to know how the team works. I'll guarantee that I'll give the maximum effort to settle in. Frank knows me and knows what I can do."

So what are your personal aims over the next few months?

"That the people here get to know me as a professional and as a player. The past isn't important now, I'm starting from zero and I've been lucky enough to come here to a great club where I'm determined to win things."


BARÇA BITE
Spirit of a youngster


What number do you want to wear?

"I'm not sure, the numbers her only go up to 25 don't they?"

Well 25 and above are usually reserved for the youngsters who come into the team...

"Well, they can give me one of the shirts for the youngsters then!

Do you know much about Barcelona and Catalonia?

"I've been here to pass a few days a number of times. I played in the Olympic Games here. The truth is I love this city. Last year I gave my wife a surprise trip. Just took the plane and came here to Barcelona for a break. Now I can get to know it even better. I love Spain and have a lot of friends here."

And do you surf the net?

"Yes, I do. I've got my own official website, which I personally keep up to date with my brother and my cousin."

____________________________________________________________

The best of luck to Deme in Barca.. :love:

Forza Deme!

[Dave]

Good luck to our Demetrio!
Forza Demi!!!!!!!!!!!

[Peachtot]

There's a chance to see demi playing against maldini in CL Cup.
in final, i hope

[heidi azalea]

I'm back because of this news.... :27rr:
Too busy to handle everything now... so that's why I'm not active now.
I'm happy because Albertini go to Barca.... One of my fav clubs ! :firedev:

[Dave]

IMO Barca is Good club!

[Gabrielle]

I hope u guys don't mind me posting Deme's news here. Am really happy that he's doing good in Barca:D Just want to share the joy with fellow Milanisti who loves Albertini, our Metronome :sagrin:

31, JAN 05
The 'Metronome' makes impressive start

Demetrio Albertini made a solid debut against Sevilla on Saturday despite having only trained with his new team-mates for a few days and proved that he could be crucial in Barça's push for honours.

The Italian international entered the fray at the start of the second half and fitted in straight away. Albertini brough clmanes to the side, which is often a trait of a player that moves mid-season. Undoubtedly this is one of his main assets, but in the Sánchez Pizjuán he demonstrated it clearly.

Experience counts

The fact that Albertini has such a wealth of experience at the top level has earned him immediate respect from the Barça squad and from the first minute of his appearance against Sevilla he was in control of central area of the side. His knowledge of the Spanish game afte his time at Atlético has also hlped him settle quickly.

Confidence

The confidence that Frank Rijkaard has shown in his former Milan team-mate was also clear as Albertini became the first substitute to be used in the victory against Sevilla.

Nickname

Albertini proved why his nickname in the game is Metronome because of his precision passes and the accuracy and regularity with which he makes them. He was able to provide the link play between the defence and the midfield duo of Deco and Xavi.

BARÇA BITE

The arrival of Demetrio Albertini has given coach Frank Rijkaard the ability to make several tactical changes in his midfield when needed and also means that he has options in defence. Until now Carles Puyol and Oleguer have been the central defensive pairing with Rafa Márquez employed in the centre of the park. But with the Italian now taking up his position just in front of the back four, Márquez will be free to return to his natural defensive position.

[milanzilla]

Actually I wouldn't like to bother but even though Albertini has served a lot for us and I like him too he is now playing for Barcelona which is one of our biggest rivals this season and as an AC Milan fan I can't see myself getting happy with him improving Barca...


It would be disgusting to see him scoring a long-distance shot in the CL final to us...

[Dave]

Yeah I saw his game in Barca against Sevilla he was super! I`m happy about his new team! :beach:

[Kui]

I edited myself out.

FORZA MILAN!