Veron turns down Man City move
Reuters - Wednesday 06 January 2010, 00:04
BUENOS AIRES - Argentina's Juan Sebastian
Veron turned down a personal offer from Manchester City manager
Roberto Mancini to join the Premier League club, the midfielder
said on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old Estudiantes captain told the radio station
La Red that he was phoned by Mancini, a former team mate of his
in Italy and his coach at Inter Milan, to make the offer.
Mancini took charge of Manchester City last month.
"I presented the offer to the directors of the club
(Estudiantes) so they could consider it, maybe it appeals to
them. For my part there isn't much thinking to do, my
(negative) answer was instantaneous," Veron said.
"It's not possible at the moment and it's not a question of
money ... My family and my affections are involved," he said.
Veron has a strong bond with Estudiantes, whom he led to
the South American Libertadores Cup title in July and second
place behind Barcelona in the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi last
month.
His performances for Estudiantes and Argentina have seen
him voted South America's top player for the last two years
after a glittering career in Europe, especially Italy, though
he also played for City's local rivals Manchester United.
Veron said he returned to his home town of La Plata in 2006
to see out his career with Estudiantes and try to lead them to
more trophies after his father Juan Ramon helped the team lift
the Libertadores Cup three times from 1968 to 1970.
"I took a decision and I want to respect it. I can't leave,
I'd be going against my convictions, I'd be letting myself and
the fans down above all else," said Veron, who donates part of
his salary to Estudiantes' youth scheme.