Not Paying The Penati
Grilled's supporters heaved a sigh of relief as the S$5.5 million departure of 27 year-old winger
Ciro Penati was balanced out by the S$4.9 million shelled out for former Andorran U-20 midfielder
Marc Pujolràs, who makes his first big move at the age of twenty-five.
While Penati, a two-time Young Player of the Season, will be missed by the terrace faithful, many agreed that it was time for the Italian to move on, after nine seasons at the club. For some, this switch was especially appropriate, as he had cut a peripheral figure at best in recent seasons, becoming something of a luxury player.
"We were paying over S$100 000 a week for three league starts, two of them losses in which he didn't get much of a bite." Grilled coach
Han Lik-Tsun explained. "While we don't have anybody better than Penati in the wide positions, he just doesn't influence the matches that matter, and I couldn't justify the raise he wanted."
Penati followed through on the pre-agreement with Bolivian Division Three club devils reds, and in a break from his bad-boy image, admitted that he was torn about leaving Grilled. "It's the only club I have known since turning professional." Penati said, not wholly accurately.
"We will benefit from having Pujolràs in to inject some vigour into the midfield." Han continued. "He's passed his medical with flying colours, and I can safely say that he will be able to keep up with the pace in our games."
Grilled's newest signing arrives from Austrian Division Four club IRIE WARRIORS, and was chosen ahead of reigning South Korean champions Songbuk Cylons' international player, Gil-Dong Ho, league rivals CharlesCheesePie's local star Qiu Ruolin, and Indonesian playmaker Modestus Putra.
"Pujolràs was willing to accept less than S$200 000 a week, and has a good few seasons ahead of him, which tipped the balance." Han fininshed. "We were fortunate that only one other club, ThrillSquad of Austria, were in the market for him at this time. He has all the makings of a star."
