15 July 2011
AC Milan want Taye Taiwo to fast track on his French citizenship so as to free up space for another foreigner most likely Ganso of Brazil.
MTNFootball.com has exclusively learnt that Taiwo’s French citizenship is now expected to come through before the end of the year as a result of pressure from high places.
The 26-year-old international left back spent over five seasons in France with Olympique Marseille and so has qualified for French nationality.
His two children were born in France and the Nigerian constitution allows for dual nationality.
“It’s very important for Taye to get his French citizenship and Milan have also made efforts to ensure it comes through in good time,” a top source informed.
“At the moment he is the only non-European Union citizen at the club, but they want him to get his papers so that they could buy Gonso from Brazil probably in January.”
Another source added: “We have got assurances from the top that Taiwo will soon be a French citizen and so no longer be considered a foreign player in Europe.”
Sources revealed that a time, the choice for Milan was between signing Ganso and Taiwo, before they eventually settled for the Nigerian as he is a free agent after he refused to extend his contract at OM.
Milan are believed to be leading the chase for highly-rated Brazilian attacking midfielder Ganso.
However, the former youth international release clause is put at about 50 million Euros now.
Taiwo joined up with Italian champions Milan for pre-season training on Tuesday morning.
He will also be part of the squad on a playing tour of China in the summer.
Taken from:
Exclusive: Taiwo to go French?