Lazio Refuse Franck Ribery's Proposal

Lazio has reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Franck Ribery for free this summer.  Although widely linked with the transfer of the veteran French player over the past few months, the Italian capital club will not sign him.

According to news reported by the Italian newspaper Il Tempo on Friday (02/07) local time, Lazio had been approached by the 38-year-old player about two months ago, at that time the plan was continuing with the former coach, Simone Inzaghi.

While Franck Ribery's contract expired earlier this week, the Frenchman is now on a free transfer and he can be signed free of charge and with many clubs considering signing the veteran.

Although previously the Biancoceleste were interested, they have now rejected an offer from Ribery's agent, arguing that their squad needs rejuvenation and the French players do not fit into the system that new coach Maurizio Sarri will implement.

The 38-year-old spent two years with Fiorentina signed on a free transfer after his contract at Bayern Munich expired.  He scored five goals and contributed 10 assists in 50 appearances in Serie A with Fiorentina.

The Aquile have already started the process of rejuvenating their squad after not renewing two of their veteran players, former captain Senad Lulic and Marco Parolo who officially left the capital club this week after their contracts expired.  Veteran players who remain in the first team are goalkeeper Pepe Reina and defender Stefan Radu.