Aquilani makes Italy move permanent

03 August 2012 15:47

Alberto Aquilani's time at Liverpool is finally over after the Reds confirmed the midfielder had completed a permanent transfer to Fiorentina.

The 28-year-old Italian arrived at Anfield on a five-year deal in August 2009 following the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, but his time on Merseyside was badly affected by injury and he has spent the last two seasons on loan, firstly at Juventus and then AC Milan.

A statement on club website www.liverpoolfc.tv read: "Liverpool Football Club can today confirm that Alberto Aquilani has completed a permanent transfer to Serie A side Fiorentina."

The statement continued: "The Italian midfielder joined Liverpool in 2009 but made just 28 first-team appearances having spent the last two seasons on loan in his homeland. Everyone at the club would like to wish Alberto all the best for the future."

Aquilani scored two goals in his 28 appearances for Liverpool and Fiorentina's honorary president Andrea Della Vale told Italy's Sky television: "We have managed to seal a deal for Aquilani, who is a Fiorentina player.

"He is the big name signing that we were waiting for."

Aquilani's future team-mate Francesco Della Rocca, who was presented to the media at the Viola's training camp in Moena on Friday, cannot wait to welcome Aquilani to the club.

"Alberto is a great player and he will do really well at Fiorentina," he said.

"He wants to bounce back from what has not been a very positive time for him at Liverpool and I am convinced that it will be a big chance for him in Florence."

Source: PA