Coach Independiente confirms Milito interest

Asked about the rumours linking Barcelona central defender Gabriel Milito (28) with a move to Argentinian club Independiente (read more here), Independiente manager Américo Rubén Gallego told journalists that the Argentinian fits the profile he's looking for:

"If I could choose, I would want to sign leaders like Milito, who was already shouting at everybody when he was only 20 years old. When there's a storm, you need captains with a personality."

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Independiente wants Milito on loan

Argentinian sports paper Olé claims that Argentinian first division club Independiente is interested in Barcelona central defender Gabriel Milito (29).

Independiente president Julio Comparada would have talked with Milito's agent Eduardo Gamarnik one month ago and the club wants to sign the defender on a six-month loan.

Sources from the Argentinian club are quoted as confirming the offer: "Which better place than this club is there for him to continue his recovery. Even if he plays little, he can still use this six months to recover fully before returning to Barcelona. The gates of the club are always open for our champions and Milito has a winning mentality that can have a positive influence on the team."

Asked about the rumours, the player's agent told the paper that it won't be easy to reach an agreement: "I don't close the door for anyone, but it's not very likely. The plan is that he starts the pre-season with Barcelona. If he's fit, Barcelona wants him with the group. So it won't only depend on what the player wants."

Milito suffered a right knee injury on 29 April 2008 during the second game of the Champions League semi-finals against Manchester United last season. The predicted recovery time was then being estimated between six and nine months.

Read more:
Genoa interested in Milito
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