Chivu set for Roma switch
Tuesday, July 8, 2003
Article summary
AFC Ajax have agreed to sell their Romanian international captain Cristian Chivu to AS Roma.
Article body
'Historic transfer'
The Amsterdam club have confirmed through an official statement that the "biggest transfer in the club's history" will be completed if Chivu, as expected, agrees personal terms.
Undisclosed fee
Ajax director Arie van Eijden would not reveal the fee involved for the 22-year-old defender, who joined the club from FC Universitatea Craiova in 1999, but it is believed to be in the region of €18m.
Personal terms
Van Eijden admitted that although they were reluctant to let Chivu go, the club could not stand in his way. "Let one thing be clear - Ajax want to keep Chivu," Van Eijden said. "But Chivu wanted to go to Roma and you know that you cannot keep a player in Amsterdam." Chivu will fly to the Italian capital to discuss personal terms on Tuesday evening.
'Great memories'
Ajax coach Ronald Koeman said: "It is a shame that Cristian is leaving, but we cannot build a wall to keep him here. He leaves Ajax with great memories and we have great memories of him too. Ajax are busy looking for a replacement and I have the greatest confidence we will find one."
