Greek star turns down Leeds
Greek defender Pantelis Hatzidiakos says he turned down an approach from Leeds United before the transfer window closed, because he didn’t want to risk a move to the Whites and the Championship. The 26-year-old Greek international moved from AZ Alkmaar to Cagliari on transfer deadline day, but could have been a Leeds player after revealing the club made an approach for him in the summer.
Speaking to Greek Radio station ERA Sport, he said a phone conversation with Cagliari manager Claudio Ranieri convinced him a switch to Italy was the best option. He said; “Ranieri? He’s a great character, we spoke on the phone before I made the decision and he helped me a lot in choosing to go to Cagliari.
“The team’s objective is survival and I hope to change his memories of the Greeks. Alkmaar is like family to me, they helped me a lot with the move. I waited until August 31st to help the team in Europe. And as happens in life, I also scored a vital goal before leaving.
“Leeds were also interested, but I didn’t want to risk it. For me, Cagliari is a great opportunity with a great coach, and I think Italian football suits me.”
Gnonto selection criticised
Wilfried Gnonto struggled to justify his international call-up with an underwhelming cameo against Ukraine last night. Italian boss Luciano Spalletti was criticised last week for including the Leeds United winger in his 25-man squad. While Gnonto now has 12 caps for his country, playing in the Championship against inferior opposition was viewed as a factor that could harm Gli Azzurri’s chances.
Speaking on Radio Napoli Centrale, reporter Umberto Chiariello questioned why Spalletti called up the Leeds talisman. “I criticised the call-up of players like Nicolo Zaniolo and Wilfried Gnonto, who in my opinion, do not deserve a blue shirt,” he said.
Corriere dello Sport gave the youngster a six out of 10 for his performance as Italy leapfrogged their opponents into second place in Group C. The report read: “Leeds United talisman Wifried Gnonto (6/10) failed to impress in his 32-minute appearance for Italy last night.”
Robbo hits out
Paul Robinson has condemned Andrea Radrizzani for blasting Leeds United chief Angus Kinnear on social media last week. The ex-Whites owner took to X, formerly Twitter, to hit out at the club’s chief executive. Kinnear remained in his role when Radrizzani sold Leeds to the San Francisco 49ers in July.
An interview with The Square Ball saw Kinnear discuss several topics, including managerial appointments, relegation, transfer dealings and the controversial use of loan clauses, which handicapped Leeds to an extent in the summer. While responding to a fan on social media, Radrizzani hit out at the man he appointed over six years ago.
“My good friend (Kinnear) should have taken good responsibility for the contracts with exit clauses, which I have never read as for many others contracts and company,” Radrizzani initially tweeted on Friday evening. “That’s why management is paid for!
“I don’t think AK, who made millions from working with me, can judge how much money I have or can invest in football. Secondly, just to clarify, even if I wanted I couldn’t sell (the club) anytime before as I had to respect the 49ers’ timing and process
Leave a Reply