Vincenzo Montella said Adem Ljajic’s move to Roma was “inevitable and painless,” as Ante Rebic signed today.
Vincenzo Montella said Adem Ljajic’s move to Roma was “inevitable and painless,” as Ante Rebic signed today.
Ljajic posted a picture of himself on Facebook this afternoon putting pen to paper on the Roma contract. He drove to the training camp with Daniele De Rossi and will reportedly live in Pablo Daniel Osvaldo’s old house.
“It was an inevitable and painless sale. We had understood what Ljajic’s ambitions were,” said Fiorentina Coach Montella.
“It’s a shame because he is an important player, but his decision has to be respected. We focus on the players we have at our disposal.
“Am I disappointed by his behaviour? Absolutely not. He is a closed chapter now. We offered him a long contract and he did not accept. He had an option that he exercised.”
Meanwhile, Ljajic’s replacement has already arrived in Florence, as today the club announced it had signed a five-year contract with Croatia international Rebic.
“I am not afraid of this new adventure. I have no fear,” he told Hindex.hr in Croatia.
As for Roma, Ljajic’s arrival opens the door for Lamela to complete his £30m transfer to Tottenham. The latest reports suggest he will fly out from Rome late this afternoon.