Pastore: I'd like to stay in Italy if I leave Palermo

The Argentine playmaker has remarked that would prefer to continue his career in Serie A rather than move abroad this summer, should he depart the Sicilian side

Javier Pastore has claimed that he would like to stay in Italy if he decides to leave Palermo this summer.

Club president Maurizio Zamparini recently revealed that Real Madrid and Chelsea are leading the race for the Argentine's signature, while the likes of Roma, Malaga and Napoli have also been linked with a swoop, and the 22-year-old has revealed that he would rather remain in Serie A than move abroad.

"I have played in Italy for two years now and I feel very well here. If I leave Palermo, I would really love to stay in Italy," said Pastore to Sky Sport Italia.

The playmaker also confessed that he had talked with new Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini last month, but refused to go into detail as to what was discussed.

He added: "I have spoken with Sabatini before I left Italy to play at the Copa America. He is a great person."

Finally, Pastore hinted that Zamparini would not mind if he were to leave Palermo for a bigger club this summer, but added that he remains unaware of any offers from interested parties.

"I know that he [Zamparini] has been in touch with my agent to discuss a summer move. I think that he'll be happy for me if I leave Palermo for a bigger club. I don't know anything at the moment, though, and I'm calm."

The midfielder is currently at the Copa America with Argentina, who qualified for the knockout stage on Monday courtesy of a 3-0 win over Costa Rica.