Serie A side Perugia sign son of Libyan leader Gaddafi
Journalists, club officials and TV crews crowded into the courtyard of the 13th century castle in the village of Torre Alfina in Umbria to watch Gaddafi pose with the Perugia shirt he will wear next season, having signed a two-year contract with the club.
While Perugia's president Luciano Gaucci greeted his new player, a specially-invited group of fans chanted and unfurled a banner that read "Welcome Saadi".
Gaddafi's passion for football is well known. As player/owner of Libyan first division side al-Ittihad the striker scored 25 goals in the last two seasons, and as president of the Libyan football federation he heads Libya's bid for the 2010 World Cup.
Nonetheless, at the age of 28 the move to one of Europe's most competitive leagues seemed unlikely for the striker, especially a move to Perugia a club that has made a name for itself as a springboard for young talent.
Japanese midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata began his Serie A career at Perugia. Last season's star player, striker Fabrizio Miccoli, earned a call up for the Azzurri after a series of impressive performances.
Cynicism surrounding the move grew after ex-Libyan national team coach Franco Scoglio made disparaging remarks about Gaddafi's skills as a footballer.
"When I was coach of Libya I called him up a few times but I'd prefer to say nothing about his qualities as a player," Scoglio told reporters earlier this month. Gaucci, however, denied that Gaddafi's arrival at Perugia was simply a publicity stunt.
"We don't have any need of publicity. This is just another gamble by us. I'm staking my reputation on it," he told reporters on Sunday. "The player is ready and willing. He wants to be here Gaddafi, meanwhile, said playing in Serie A would present a tough challenge. Asked what Colonel Gaddafi thought of his son's latest career move, Gaddafi replied: "He's fine about it."
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