SERIE A - Udinese backliner Becao: "I could have left, but..."

Heavily linked to a move outside Udinese ranks, with Torino peculiarly interested in signing him in the late days of last summer window, 25-year old Brazilian centre-back Rodrigo Becão made clear how and why he ended up staying put:

"Udinese is exactly where I can keep on growing and improving. I feel like a real furlàn (i.e. a Friuli region native), Udine is a great place to work and live in. I want to be a cornerstone for this team, though I still dream of playing for a top-flight club. I did have the chance to leave, but I eventually decided not to, and I'm happy for it".

Former CSKA Moscow backliner is currently on a deal with Italian club until June 2024.