OFFICIAL: Pasqual signs with Empoli

Manuel Pasqual has signed on the dotted line, and will spend the next 2 seasons with Empoli, a move which suits both him and his family quite well, while also keeping him close to the city he loves. In true Pasqual form, he kept his introductory statement short and professional: "I'm happy to be here. I've made the right choice, and I thank the Empoli directors who have done everything to have me with them."

With the Azzuri likely to sell Mário Rui, this leaves Pasqual and former Viola leftback Luca Bittante as the only leftbacks on the roster. A platoon setup is likely, as Manuel's 34-year-old legs may not be able to churn up and down the wing for a full season like they used to. However, his crossing should be a boon to an Empoli front line that features poacher extraordinaire Massimo Maccarone, and his experience will also help settle a young squad.

Perhaps most importantly for the player, his new employers play not even 50 kilometers from Florence (less than an hour by car, and under 2 hours by train), so the former Capitano won't have to uproot his family. What is a bit concerning is that Empoli president Fabrizio Corsi has offered to keep a job with the club open for the former Fiorentina man upon his retirement.