Veron says he isn't thinking of leaving Estudiantes

By Gregory Sica, Special to SI.com, Goal.com

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Juan Sebastian Veron, who was recently named South American Footballer of the Year for 2008, has affirmed that his future remains at his beloved Estudiantes de La Plata.

Veron's extraordinary form last year didn't go unnoticed, as several top clubs are fighting to secure his prized signature, including SS Lazio, the club form whom he starred between 1999 and 2001.

"It will be very difficult for me to leave Estudiantes," Veron told Argentine TV network TyC Sports on Monday. "In the future we will see, but right now I don't see any reason to leave the club. I'm really happy that Lazio have shown interest in me. I experienced great moments in Rome, and I shared a special relationship with the people."

Veron, 33, who helped Estudiantes reach the final of the Copa Sudamericana last year, is hoping to lead the club to a major international trophy before his retirement.

He will have the opportunity to do this when Estudiantes takes part in the 2009 Copa Libertadores, which kicks off in late January.

"We will be tired during the middle of the tournament. It is up to us to take advantage of the opportunity or not," concluded Veron, in reference to Estudiantes' preliminary playoff with Sporting Cristal of Peru.

Although he is comfortable at Estudiantes, in recent months Veron has admitted that he could return to Europe at some stage of 2009. He has also been repeatedly linked to Major League Soccer; Veron declined an offer from D.C. United at the last minute in 2007.