Staying at Dundee made me a better player says Speroni

Dundee goalkeeper Julian Speroni believes that turning down offers from Italy last summer has made him a better player.

The South American was targeted by several Italian clubs, but he chose to remain at Dens Park and gain experience after missing out on the first four months of his career in Scotland due to red tape.

Problems over an Italian passport hampered Speroni when he first arrived, but since they were resolved he has not looked back and has become one of the Dark Blues’ most consistent performers.

His performances caught the eye in Italy, where his grandfather lived, and his agent was contacted last year by clubs interested to take the 24-year-old under freedom of contract.

However, despite Ivano Bonetti’s sacking and the subsequent arrival of Jim Duffy, Speroni decided that at his age he would be better playing first team football and opted to remain at Dens Park.

After helping the club to its best season for decades Speroni believes his decision to remain in the ‘City of Discovery’ has helped him develop as a player.

“I am only 24-years-old and for a goalkeeper that is very young so it is important to play as many games as possible,” said Speroni.

“Things did concern me last summer before I signed a new contract – with a new manager coming in – and I also had a few clubs in Italy interested.

“I did not speak to them myself, but they contacted my agent and told him they wanted me.

“I wanted to take my time to make a decision but eventually decided to stay at Dundee and play as many games as I could.

“I am very happy here and love the people.”

Speroni is grateful to ex-boss Bonetti for giving him the chance to play in Scotland and is hopeful the Italian will travel to Hampden on Saturday to cheer on his former team.

The two men remain friends and speak regularly, with Bonetti hinting that he may travel to the Tennent’s Scottish Cup final against Rangers on Saturday - despite being in dispute with Dundee over his claims for unpaid money.

“Ivano was very good to me and he showed a lot of patience to bring me here, I am grateful to him for giving me the chance to play for Dundee,” added Speroni.

“I still speak to him and he told me that he would maybe come to the cup final. It would be nice to see him again.”