Federico Balzaretti reflects that joining Roma was the right move at the right time and also reveals the truth behind Paris Saint-Germain’s interest.
Federico Balzaretti reflects that joining Roma was the right move at the right time and also reveals the truth behind Paris Saint-Germain’s interest.
The left-back was involved in a long-running transfer saga this summer and was linked with the likes of Lazio” data-scaytid=”3″>Lazio, Napoli, Milan PSG and staying with Palermo, before eventually deciding to join Roma in a €4.5m switch.
Upon being unveiled today, the 30-year-old explained why he chose the red half of the Italian capital.
“I arrive here at the best time, an established player who is mature,” declared the full-back to the assembled media.
“I have had so many experiences, it is the right time for me to arrive, and also for Roma. This squad has great ambition.
“Why did I pick Roma? There was some media confusion, but I have always been clear. When the President told me of the offer from Roma, I immediately said yes.
“Were there external factors? I said that I preferred the choice of my family. The family situation has led me to want to raise my daughters in Rome, which is a beautiful city.
“The relationship with sporting director Walter Sabatini also influenced matters and we know that we work to common ideas since our time together at Palermo.
“But it is not true that I chose Roma because they are not in Europe, seeing as one of our goals is to return there.”
Balzaretti was asked of the truth behind the repeated links to Paris Saint-Germain that date back to the end of last year. It was firmly believed at one stage this summer that the player’s only choice lay between staying in Sicily and joining the French giants.
“It’s a long story, the real chance to go was there last year, when I spoke with the President.
“By mutual agreement we decided not to go through with it. I knew I was not going to PSG since January. There was never a real possibility from there.”