Roma defender Kostas Manolas has shrugged of comparisons with Mehdi Benatia, as he insists he wants to stay with the Giallorossi for the long haul.
Roma defender Kostas Manolas has shrugged of comparisons with Mehdi Benatia, as he insists he wants to stay with the Giallorossi for the long haul.
Benatia left the capital club in the summer, joining Bayern Munich for a fee of €26m, and will return to the Olimpico on Tuesday to face his former compatriots.
Greek international Manolas has stepped into the role the Morocco international vacated for Rudi Garcia’s team, but he insists there is no incentive added by facing Benatia.
“The past doesn’t matter,” Manolas considered in an interview with il Tempo released today.
“It won’t be a match between him and me, never mind the comparisons between us.
“Personally I felt the confidence of Garcia and the club from day one.”
Benatia spent only one season with the Giallorossi before moving to the German Champions, but Manolas insists he will be at Roma for the long-haul.
“Words don’t mean anything, but I hope to play for Roma for many years, because this club is at the height of my ambition.”
Manolas also singled out Roma Coach Rudi Garcia for praise.
“He’s a very competent and knowledgeable Coach, who relates to us all in different ways according to our individual needs.
“He makes sure that each and every one of us is giving 120 per cent.”