Lorenzo Pellegrini has expressed his desire for “champion” Alessandro Florenzi to remain a Roma player after January.
The 28-year-old has struggled for first-team football this season and wrote on social media that he would hold a “tearjerker” of a speech during the squad’s Christmas dinner.
The post sparked rumours about Florenzi leaving Roma next month, but Pellegrini insists the message was misunderstood.
“I think you misunderstood his words,” he told Rai Sport.
Lorenzo Pellegrini has expressed his desire for “champion” Alessandro Florenzi to remain a Roma player after January.
The 28-year-old has struggled for first-team football this season and wrote on social media that he would hold a “tearjerker” of a speech during the squad’s Christmas dinner.
The post sparked rumours about Florenzi leaving Roma next month, but Pellegrini insists the message was misunderstood.
“I think you misunderstood his words,” he told Rai Sport.
“He said he was excited for a dinner with the employees tomorrow, where he will make a speech as captain.
“This is the first year as captain, his words were related to this. Alessandro is our captain and we are close to him.”
The club captain has been tipped to leave the Olimpico, with Leonardo Spinazzola and Davide Santon above him in the pecking order at right-back.
“We are a united group. I’ve been taken aback by his attitude,” added the midfielder.
“He proved to be a champion on and off the pitch and a true captain.
“He respected the coach’s choices, like we must all do, and we must move forward.”
So does Pellegrini think his fellow Roman will seek pastures new this winter?
“I don’t know, you have to ask him. Whether here or elsewhere, I wish him all the best.
“Obviously, I hope he stays here.”