Alberto Aquilani

Alberto Aquilani (July 7, 1984) is an Italy football (soccer) midfielder who currently plays for AS Roma.

Aquilani is considered one of the most promising football talents in Italy.

Football career

Aquilani grew up from a wealthy family in the suburbs of Rome, where his talent was recognised at a very tender age. Growing up his favourite position was Attacking midfield, but he also had the versatility to play in Central midfield, Left winger, and Right winger. He was first recognised by Roma scouts, when he was playing in a local cup-final, he scored a free-kick and managed to assist two goals for his team-mates, in the end Aquilanis' team won 3 - 1.

In 2001, when he was 16, Chelsea FC offered him a rich contract but he declined the offer because his dream was playing for AS Roma, his favourite team.

He made his debut in Serie A on 10 May 2003 against Torino Calcio, but played the season 2003-04 in US Triestina on loan.

Back to Roma in 2004-05, he scored the second goal in the victroy in the Derby della Capitale played on 26 February 2006; that victory broke the record of most consecutive wins in Serie A.
In the AS Roma 2006-07 he was expected to be one of the best player of Roma, infact he was also capped for the first time by Italy national football team on 15 November 2006 for a friendly against Turkey national football team. Unfortunately an injury forced him to stay away from the fields for several months. Despite this he played as regular during the UEFA U-21 Championship 2007 held in the Netherlands and was also named in the 'UEFA Team of the tournament'. He scored an excellent free kick in this tornament against the Czech Republic.

He scored two long range goals in the first two matches of the AS Roma 2007-08 and thus was called up to Roberto Donadoni's Italy national football team for the fundamental games against France national football team and Ukraine national football team.

Arsenal and Valencia both had summer offers rejected for Roma's Alberto Aquilani, according to reports in Italy. The duo were believed to have put in bids of around 15million euros (£10.1million), but Roma turned both sides down in order keep one of their star midfielders.

Career statistics

- Correct as of 19 September 2007.