Montreal Impact president Saputo plays down move for Juventus star Del Piero

Montreal Impact president Joey Saputo has poured cold water on reports suggesting the MLS expansion franchise are still in pursuit of Alessandro Del Piero.

The Impact have previously held talks with the veteran Juventus striker but his advisers made it clear that if he was to come to the North American competition, it would be for New York Red Bulls or LA Galaxy.

Saputo has released a statement saying that it is highly unlikely Del Piero will become a Impact player at all in the future.

"We have met with Del Piero's group on two separate occasions (April 2011 in Montreal and June 2011 in Turin) to evaluate the potential for Alessandro to finish his career in North America and in Montreal,” read Saputo’s statement.

“We were advised by his group in August 2011 that Alessandro would rather focus on New York or Los Angeles. There has been no discussion since then. There is no truth to the rumour that we want the player at all cost.

“Although we feel that Alessandro would have been a good addition to our club and the city, we respect his decision to look elsewhere in MLS. With the knowledge of soccer in the city, Montreal deserves a Designated Player but the conditions must be right."

 
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