Basso hits back over cash row

Apr 27 2008

HEARTS keeper Anthony Basso's agent last night blasted the club's money men over the contract row with his client.

Furious Tommaso Angelini slammed the Edinburgh outfit after they insisted the French star wants £7,000 a week to extend his current deal.

He said: "I'm disappointed in the way they are dealing with this. To put incorrect figures in the newspapers is really a sign of little professionalism.

"Anthony took a large pay cut to come here from Auxerre on the assurance he will feature regularly.

"Surely that is a clear sign of somebody who is not a moneygrabber but is only interested in playing football.

"He hasn't had the chance to prove himself as promised. In order to assess a goalkeeper you have to give him time and a run of games. It is common sense.

"Hearts offered Anthony a three-year extension that we considered unsatisfactory.

"We made a counter offer and as soon as they received it they put him on the bench.

"Instead of calling me they drop Anthony and make public this figure which doesn't even correspond to the truth.

"I've worked with clubs like Celtic on the deal for Shunsuke Nakamura and dealt with gentlemen like Peter Lawwell and I'm astonished to deal with a comical situation like this."