Sun Jul 27 15:04:40 2008

Comment | Email | Print

Italy striker Di Natale inks new deal with Udinese

---

Udine, Italy (Sports Network) - Italy striker Antonio Di Natale has signaled his intention to finish his career with Udinese by signing a new contract to keep him at the Friuli until 2013.

The 31-year-old, who was part of the Azzurri squad at Euro 2008, has been continually linked with a move to one of Serie A's top clubs, but Di Natale has put an abrupt end to such speculation.

"It is pleasing to know that at the age of 31 there are still so many Serie A sides interested in me, but I have made my choice to stay with Udinese," he told udineseblog.it.

"It was a precise decision on my part to remain and that is above all thanks to the fact I have an excellent rapport with the club.

"I just try to work with and for Udinese. I hope to do as well in the future as I already have done in this shirt. My objective is to improve and always give my best."

Di Natale joined Udine in the summer of 2004 from Empoli and has scored 49 goals in 145 appearances for the Bianconeri. Udinese finished seventh in the Serie A last season.

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)