THE football lovers and merchandising magnets of Teesside breathed a collective sigh of relief yesterday when Fabrizio Ravanelli confirmed that rumours of his impending departure from Middlesbrough had been somewhat exaggerated.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Italy international striker had done little or nothing to dampen speculation that he was ready to leave for Middlesbrough or Manchester United in a £10 million deal, but yesterday however, he claimed it was a different story altogether a tale of crossed wires, misinterpreted sentiments and mischievous reporters.
Not only was the one they call White Feather content with his lot in life, he wished, it seemed, to, see out his playing career at the Riverside Stadium. I will be happy to sign for another two years if Middlesbrough want to keep me, he said, the ink barely dry on the four year deal he signed after completing his £7 million summer move from Juventus.
"I never said anything about Manchester United approaching me. The story just appeared. I don't know whether it is true or not," he added.
Apparently the story is totally untrue. When asked to comment on the suggestion that Ravanelli will shortly by plying his trade at Old Trafford, Manchester United's chief executive Martin Edwards could barely conceal his sense of amusement - or his amazement. Absolute nonsense. The idea of us buying him has never once been discussed " he said.
No doubt aware that his relationship with the Middlesbrough fans was, for the first time, under some strain, Ravanelli insisted that he was happy to remain the most significant piece in manager Bryan Robson's lavish jigsaw puzzle.
"I am happy at this club. The fans love me, and I appreciate them, he said. I am eager to succeed and fulfil the ambition of the supporters and the city. I am now a Middlesbrough man and there is no way I would want to. go through another transfer so soon after coming to England, he added.
Robson, unlike Edwards, could find no humour in Tuesday's rather curious events. "I wouldn't sell him for £25 million," he said. "He, is not going anywhere and all this talk is absolute and utter rubbish."
