Dzemaili excited after leaving Parma for Napoli
Friday, July 1, 2011
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Swiss international Blerim Dzemaili said that he was "ready for this new adventure" after the 25-year-old midfielder joined SSC Napoli from Parma FC in a part-exchange deal.
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SSC Napoli have signed Swiss international Blerim Dzemaili from Parma FC in an exchange deal that takes defender Fabiano Santacroce and midfielder Manuele Blasi in the opposite direction.
Midfielder Dzemaili was delighted to move south to Naples on a five-year contract, saying: "I really wanted to join Napoli. I am joining a very strong team with amazing fans. I am ready for this new adventure."
Capped 13 times by Switzerland yet born in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the 25-year-old started out with FC Zürich before spells at Bolton Wanderers FC in England and Torino FC and Parma in Italy. Dzemaili played 49 Serie A games for Parma over the last two seasons.
His replacement in the Ducali's midfield ranks, the 30-year-old Blasi, heads to Parma on a permanent basis. Versatile defender Santacroce, 24, arrives in Emilia-Romagna on an initial 12-month loan, with Parma having the option to secure his services full time next summer.
Napoli have also handed a new deal, until June 2012, to defender Gianluca Grava, 33. The Partenopei will play in the UEFA Champions League group stage after finishing third in Serie A last term.
