By Ben Somerford
27 Jun 2011 08:42:00
Fabio Cannavaro – Italy (Getty Images)
Related Links
Teams
Players
UAE giants Al-Ahli have denied that Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro has been released by the club following reports suggesting he could be set for a move to England.
British tabloid the News of the World had linked the 36-year-old defender with newly-promoted Premier League club QPR on Sunday, stating that Cannavaro would be available on a free transfer after being released by Al-Ahli on June 21.
However, Al-Ahli chief executive Ahmed Khalifa Hamad told Sport360 that the report was not true and that the veteran defender remained contracted for next season.
“All that is not true. Fabio Cannavaro is going nowhere. I don’t know from where these reports emerge, but he has a year left on his contract with us and he is expected to stay with the club,” said Hamad.
Hamad spoke to The National and added: “He has not been released, nothing of this kind has happened.
“He is on holiday and we will discuss once he comes back. Everyday I am hearing new stories and I don’t know from where these people get their information.”
Club president Abdullah Saeed Al Naboudah, meanwhile, suggested that Cannavaro was a major part of Al-Ahli’s plans moving forward.
“Cannavaro is very professional, a leading example and an inspiration for Al Ahli’s young players,” he told the club’s official website.
“The rumours are false. His future is here at Al-Ahli and I am very pleased with his contribution to our club and his performances on the pitch.
“The recently-concluded season was disappointing for us, but Cannavaro’s attitude and commitment was top class.”
Our 
 provides the best breaking news online and our 
football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!