Bologna president Albano Guaraldi denies they pushed Gaston Ramirez out of the club.

Guaraldi insists Ramirez turned down an improved contract offer before signing for Southampton.

"Ramirez tells lies and what he says does not honour him," Guaraldi told TuttoMercatoWeb.com.

"We proposed a renewal of the contract, in front of many witnesses, including the coach. He refused the proposal. He told me he wanted to go.

"Ramirez won a game for us and felt compelled to speak ... but tell it like it is: he has refused to renew with increased engagement in front of many witnesses. There was also the coach. He said that he did not care and wanted to be sold at any cost. Now he can say what he wants."