Soccer

Crespo desperate to return to Italy

Hernan Crespo is desperate to return to Italy but Chelsea insist they will only sell the unsettled Argentina striker at the right…

Mon Jul 24 2006 - 01:00

Hernan Crespo is desperate to return to Italy but Chelsea insist they will only sell the unsettled Argentina striker at the right price.

Crespo returned to Stamford Bridge last summer following a season-long loan spell with AC Milan and is so anxious to return to Serie A he admits he is "hoping the mobile will ring".

But Chelsea are adamant they will not let Crespo leave on the cheap and confirmed the club have received no approach for the 31-year-old during the transfer window.

A club statement released today read: "There are no new contract talks or discussions about offers of any nature with Hernan Crespo. He is contracted to Chelsea for the next two years and will remain so unless Chelsea receive a suitable offer for him.

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"Everyone at Chelsea is aware of his domestic situation and we have every sympathy for that."

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has made every effort to make Crespo's time in London as bearable as possible but the player, who has a home near Milan, has his heart set on Italy

"Abramovich has offered me a house, a private jet and more money, but I told him I simply want to return home," he told Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport. "The fact is I love Italy. The money and success don't come into it. Italy is my natural environment, it is the place where I will live when I retire and it is the best place to play.

"Abramovich is a marvellous person and Chelsea is a fantastic club they have treated me like a king. The fans have been great to me too, telling me 'he wants to move to Italy, but he still gives it his all on the pitch.

"I am waiting here, hoping my mobile will ring," he said. "I can just guarantee that I am a healthy striker with just one wish - to return and play my sort of football."

AC and Inter Milan will have been alerted by Crespo's comments but they will have to make a substantial offer for the former Lazio marksman, who cost Chelsea £16million in 2003.

AC Milan tried to extend his loan contract for a further year last summer but Blues boss Jose Mourinho was only interested in a permanent deal.