Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has revelaed that he will stay in Italy if he is forced to leave Lazio as a result of the Roman club’s financial crisis.

The financial woes at Lazio may force the Dutch central defender to find a new club but despite his experiences since arriving in Italy – including failing a drugs test and frequent delays in getting paid – Stam is keen to stay in the country.

Stam joined Lazio after being told he was surplus to requirements at Manchester United and his Old Trafford rejection appears to have persuaded him never to return to England.

‘Now I have decided my future and if I have to leave Lazio I will stay in Italy,’ said Stam.

‘I will make the choice on my own but I want to continue here now that I have acclimatised and play in a competitive championship like the Italian one.

‘I can certainly exclude returning to England,’ he insisted.