[attach id="266267" size="medium"]Andrei Agius is attracting interest from three Italian clubs. Photo: Paul Zammit Cutajar[/attach]
Andrei Agius had high hopes that Latina’s historic promotion to the Serie B would signal the start of a new, exciting chapter in his career but his enthusiasm gave way to disap-pointment when he reported for pre-season training last week.
Despite having another 12 months remaining on the two-year contract he signed last summer, Agius is set to leave Latina after being told by new coach Gaetano Autieri that he is not in his plans for next season.
The arrival of Autieri, who was unveiled as Latina’s new coach in the final week of June, preceded a player clear-out as the former Nocerina mentor has embarked on a squad overhaul ahead of the club’s maiden campaign in the second tier of Italian football.
“The coach has told me that I don’t figure in his plans,” Agius told Times of Malta yesterday.
“I’m still under contract with Latina but I have to find a new destination.”
After helping Latina secure promotion to the Serie B – they beat Pisa in the play-off final, and win the Coppa Italia for Lega Pro teams, Agius, who turns 27 on August 12, was thrilled by the prospect of testing himself in a stronger division but Autieri’s stance has scuppered his hopes.
“I was 100 per cent looking forward to playing for Latina in the Serie B but the coach had other ideas,” Agius said.
Since Autieri’s appointment, Latina have offloaded 11 members of last season’s squad with more expected to follow through the exit door. Latina have been busy in the transfer market, making no fewer than eight new signings so far.
Agius feels that he has been denied a fair crack of the whip by Autieri.
“You should judge a player after you’ve seen him and not just because you have some idea in your head,” Agius lamented.
Yet, in spite of his sadness at his imminent exit from Latina, Agius is pleased with his achievements in the last two years.
“I’m happy to be part of the club’s history,” Agius remarked.
“Two seasons ago, I was part of the team that managed to stave off relegation from Serie C1.
“And last season, we did even better as we won the Coppa Italia and clinched Serie B promotion for the first time in Latina’s history.”
As Agius is still under contract, he will continue to train with the team until any of his potential suitors strike a deal with Latina for his transfer.
A mainstay of the national team, Agius is not short of offers with three clubs already chasing his signature.
“Two important clubs, Lecce and Catanzaro (both Serie C1), have already shown an interest in me,” Agius said.
“There is also Messina, who play in Serie C2.”
Lecce are leading the race to sign Agius as talks with his representatives are at an advanced stage.