"Luca Toni left Palermo for the money” - Fabrizio Miccoli

The problems arose in a Press conference this week when Miccoli rejected an offer from Birmingham City.

“I am not leaving because I love Palermo and want to avoid being judged the same way as those in the past who quit here just for the money. I am not like them.”

The reference to former Rosanero striker Toni was evident, as the fans and President Maurizio Zamparini have never quite forgiven him for joining Fiorentina in 2005.

“I don’t know if Miccoli was referring to me, but if that was the case then I would be very disappointed,” Toni told Rete24.

“It would mean he judged me without knowing how things really went with Palermo. I would never have dreamed of making a similar statement, not even to suspect it, let alone give voice to the allegations of local journalists who always targeted me.

“They were determined to paint me as someone who only thinks about money. It’s a shame, as I consider Miccoli a good lad and got to know him personally when we were on international duty.

“It’s a real pity if he listened to the biased and inaccurate controversy stirred up by some people in Palermo who are still bitter about my departure.”

Toni spent two seasons at Palermo, first helping them to promotion with a record 30 goals in 45 Serie B games, then netting 20 in 35 Serie A matches to achieve UEFA Cup qualification.

His contract with Bayern Munich was rescinded this week, so the 2006 World Cup winner is on the verge of completing his move to Genoa.