Unwanted Inter Milan defender Francesco Coco is being tipped with a move to MLS once the transfer window opens in January, according to reports in Italy. Coco, a veteran of Italy’s 2002 World Cup campaign, is being linked with a possible move to either the New England Revolution or the New York Red Bulls. Inter coach Roberto Mancini has made it clear that Coco is not part of his plans for the 2007-08 season.
Coco has been the property of both AC and now Inter Milan, but he’s spent most of his career on loan. Last season, Inter loaned him out to Serie A club Livorno, but the 30-year-old defender played just three times. Football Italia says that Coco “was once regarded as one of Italy’s most promising stoppers, but has seen his career stall spectacularly in recent years.”
In particular, Coco’s career has been hampered by persistent back problems. The report, however, says his “notorious celebrity lifestyle” and history of “unprofessional conduct” have also contributed to Coco’s underachievement.