Zotti signs new Roma deal
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Article summary
Italian Under-21 goalkeeper Carlo Zotti has extended his contract with AS Roma until June 2009.
Article body
Italy Under-21 goalkeeper Carlo Zotti has renewed his contract with AS Roma in a deal that could keep him at the club until June 2009. The 21-year-old was set to become a free agent in the summer and had been linked with a move to AC Milan, but preferred to stay to fight for his place at the Stadio Olimpico.
'Offer from Milan'
"I had an offer from Milan but I refused it," Zotti said. "My heart is with Roma. Perhaps I need to play more first-team football in the future so I could decide to move on loan to another team. I need to play to gain experience and confidence, but my long-term future is at Roma."
Third choice
Zotti is a product of Roma's youth system and made his Serie A debut in the 3-1 victory over Torino Calcio in May 2003. He is currently the club's third choice behind Ivan Pelizzoli and Cristiano Lupatelli and has only played one league game since.
Italy U21s
Zotti did make five UEFA Cup appearances this season, though, and is competing with Parma AC's Marco Amelia for the Italy U21 goalkeeping jersey. The Azzurrini are among the favourites to win the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Germany this summer.
