No return to Lazio for Di Canio

PAOLO DI CANIO has vowed to honour his contract with Charlton – despite rumours of a fresh approach from Serie A giants Lazio.

The Italian striker celebrated his 36th birthday yesterday by pledging to see out the new 12-month deal he agreed with Charlton last month. Reports have surfaced that financially-stricken Lazio are keen on prizing di Canio a favourite at the Roman club between 1988-1990 away from The Valley.

But the former West Ham forward is set on completing his second season in south-east London. "Every summer the club (Lazio) gets about 15,000 people signing a petition to try and get me back," said di Canio. "It makes me proud, but I won't be going back as I love playing for Charlton at the moment."