Soccer: Stunned Stam snubs Real Madrid

Jaap Stam completed his £16.5m move to Lazio and then delivered a parting shot at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I played for three years and did well. Then within two weeks I was not wanted any more," said the Dutch defender.

Stam had signed a four-year deal with the Champions League contenders, believed to be worth £3m a year.

The deal was unveiled at a press conference when it was revealed he had spurned a last-minute offer from Real Madrid.

Lazio moved in for Stam at the Champions League draw in Monaco when they were alerted to his availability.

One of the men who helped broker the deal was former Hearts hardman Pasquale Bruno, who has maintained his contacts in Britain.

But Lazio were caught off guard when Real Madrid made a last-gasp effort to secure Stam's services.

However, the Dutch International would not be swayed and kept his word to Lazio.

General Manager Massimo Cragnotti said: "Real Madrid tried to stop the signing last night but he had already agreed to join us and said no.

"We are very happy he is here and this will finish our signings for the year.

"After losing Veron and Salas, we needed players to take us back to the top level.

"We chose the best and needed someone in defence like Stam. Now he will join the other new players, Mendieta and Fiore."