Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has quashed speculation over a move to Manchester City.
Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has quashed speculation over a move to Manchester City.
Despite signing a new contract last season that tied him to the Giallorossi until 2017, De Rossi’s agent was reported to have flown out for talks with City officials last week. The Premier League champions were said to have offered €35m and a four year deal worth €9m a season, raising doubts over the midfielder’s future.
However, at a Press conference at Roma’s Trigoria training complex today, the 29-year-old dispelled fears over his departure.
“I am staying, I am happy here and I have never, ever asked to leave,” DDR announced.
“People have written all sorts of things, about me, about Roberto Mancini. Some of it makes me laugh, some of it makes me angry.”
De Rossi, a boyhood Roma fan who has long been considered Francesco Totti's heir or 'Capitan Futuro', went on to vow that if he does decide to leave the club, it will be dealt with in a similarly frank and forthright manner.
“What I can promise everyone is that the day I do leave Roma – whether to win the Champions League or make more money – I will say so in public.
“I came here to do a Press conference that I do every year. I didn’t speak while with the national team out of respect. There are offers and it is important for me to speak my mind.
“One club, the one you all know, made an enquiry. One or two others, but that was just talk.
“I don't know if the club still want to sell me,” the Italy international concluded. “I'm guessing they count on me since they gave me a huge contract in May. Ask them.”