Dalla Bona: Signed Illegal Contract

Last updated : 17 August 2002 By -

Dalla Bona moved to the San Siro this summer for £1million but Bates, whose claims have been denied by the midfielder's agent, is still bitter at the drawn-out saga.

We have reason to believe he signed an illegal pre-contact with AC Milan two years ago," he claimed. "We've been stitched up from beginning to end."

Bates believes Dalla Bona's unwillingness to move to another club forced down the price and is refusing to deal with the agents involved in the deal again.

He added on Chelsea's radio station, Big Blue: "A year ago, Colin Hutchinson (then Chelsea managing director) agreed to sell Sam Dalla Bona to Venezia for £5million.

"But he refused to go even though Venice is 30 minutes from his parents and he had said he was homesick.

"AC Milan offered us £3.5million, but Colin thought he could get more, which was a mistake with the benefit of hindsight.

"Then Dalla Bona said he wanted to sign a new contract with us".

The peace deal did not last long however. Dalla Bona eventually left this summer although Bates has warned that he is likely to remain on the bench in Milan rather than being a regular first-team player at Stamford Bridge.


stevefurlong@chelsea-mad.co.uk