Saturday, 2nd February, 2013
Roma sporting director Franco Baldini has spoken about the breakdown in goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg’s proposed move to Fulham, confirming it came about because the Giallorossi could not find a replacement in time.
Stekelenburg looked all set to move to Craven Cottage from Roma, where he has fallen out of favour under veteran coach Zdenek Zeman.
But on a frantic transfer deadline day, the deal fell through at the last minute.
"Fulham’s first offer was not what we hoped for", Baldini told reporters.
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"Finally, they met our requirements, but then we had to bring in a replacement.
"We had two or three people in mind, but we did not manage to get one of them.
"Prior to Stekelenburg boarding the plane it was already clear that the deal would be completed in good time if we could find a replacement."
Stekelenburg now finds himself back at Roma and fighting for his place under Zeman, with whom his relationship is strained.
The Holland international has not though ruled out a rekindling of his move to Fulham in the summer and could yet end up at Craven Cottage.
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