Source: Daily_Mail
United 'stole' our kid! Lazio hit out at Ferguson over boy wonder Macheda
Italian giants Lazio last night launched an astonishing attack on Manchester United over the manner in which they allegedly enticed new teenage hero Federico Macheda to Old Trafford. [LNB]Macheda, 17, will be rewarded for his winning debut goal against Aston Villa on Sunday with a place on the substitutes' bench against Porto in tonight's Champions League quarter-final, first leg. [LNB] New home: Italian Federico Macheda trains with United yesterday[LNB]But the club who reared Macheda accused United of throwing money at his family in order to bring him to England shortly after his 16th birthday in August 2007. [LNB]Lazio president Claudio Lotito said: 'All these players are robbed (stolen) as a matter of course by this club. They are always outside what is normal in terms of etiquette.[LNB]'They go to the parents and give them money and important jobs. These are boys who come from poor families. The families base their choices on economic interests. [LNB]'It's not moral. It is like a cattle market. The young players are treated like cattle.' [LNB]Italian laws do not allow youngsters to commit to contracts until their 16th birthday, a situation that United exploited by agreeing the move beforehand. Last night, United, who have not broken any law, did not comment.[LNB] Teenage kicks: Macheda goes from slumdog to hero of the Facebook generationUnited turbo charged: Macheda goal gives champions new belief as they prepare for Porto clashBoy done good: How Spurs captain Keane, Liverpool heroes Owen and Fowler, Leeds' Smith, Everton's Vaughan and Newcastle hero Shearer made dream debutsVIDEO SPECIAL: See Federico Macheda in action - Manchester United's latest teen sensationWho is United hero Federico Macheda? A player with an eye for girls...as well as goalsMANCHESTER UNITED FC
