Crespo still hoping for Italy move

Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo has repeated that he wants to move to Italy.

The former Lazio and AC Milan striker has been heavily linked with a move back to Serie A this summer and the Argentinian admits that he would prefer to start the new season on the continent.

He told the Clarin newspaper: "Chelsea have to decide. I've talked to (coach Jose) Mourinho and things are clear. We'll have to wait if an offer appears and if it interests Chelsea or not."

He added: "They (Chelsea) love me and I love them a lot. They have been treating me very well, but I'd prefer to go to Italy because I feel more comfortable socially. They understood my situation and they told me that if an offer comes, they would analyse it.

"If Chelsea do not receive any offers, I won't do anything. Besides, Chelsea fans have always treated me spectacularly."

Crespo has also confirmed that he would like to be part of Argentina's new era with Alfio Basile as coach and expects to be part of the squad to face Brazil on September 2.

"I'd love to be in the first squad. To play Brazil is always special. I'll always be ready to play for the national team. As long as they need me, it's something I'll be always interested in.

"Being 31 now, I have never had problems with injuries, but in the next four years, we don't know what will happen. Life changes. Who doesn't dream to play in his fourth World Cup?"

Crespo has not been coached by Basile, but he considers the new coach as "a winner".

"He has been doing a great job at Boca Juniors and he had a wonderful first spell with the national team (from 1991 to 1994)," said Crespo. According to what they say, he is a great coach".