Castillo captured by Fiorentina
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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ACF Fiorentina have signed Argentinian striker José Ignacio Castillo from relegated US Lecce for a reported €1m fee while left-back Manuel Pasqual has extended his contract by two years until June 2012.
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ACF Fiorentina have signed Argentinian striker José Ignacio Castillo from relegated US Lecce for a reported €1m fee.
Two-year deal
Castillo, 34, has agreed a two-year deal and is likely to be used as a deputy for Alberto Gilardino by coach Cesare Prandelli. Brought to Italy in 2001 by FB Brindisi 1912, he played for Nuova Nardò Calcio, Vigor Lamezia, Gallipoli Calcio and Frosinone Calcio before joining Pisa Calcio where he scored 21 goals in the 2007/08 Serie B campaign. Pisa lost their promotion play-off to Lecce, the club Castillo promptly signed for and where he managed seven goals in his debut Serie A season.
'Unique chance'
"This is a unique chance for me," Castillo said. "My role is clear and I'll try to be ready when the coach calls. I have scored against Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi and it was an important goal, but at the moment I have no defined targets. I'll try to make the most of the minutes I'll play to score as many goals as possible."
Pasqual deal
Meanwhile, Fiorentina have extended the contract of 27-year-old left-back Manuel Pasqual by two years until June 2012. Pasqual, capped twice by Italy, joined the Viola in 2005 from AC Arezzo and has made more than 100 appearances. Fourth in Italy last term, Fiorentina enter the UEFA Champions League in the play-off round on 18/19 and 25/26 August.
