The former Giallorossi executive reflected on his time in Italy after Bournemouth learned their European opponents.
Tiago Pinto has admitted that he misses Roma, its supporters and the city—but not Italian football.
The former Roma general manager spoke following the European draw in Monte Carlo, where Bournemouth were paired with Milan, Real Sociedad, Viktoria Plzeň, Sparta Prague, Sturm Graz, Celta Vigo, Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Lillestrøm.
Bournemouth’s meeting with Milan will represent a historic occasion for the Premier League club.
“It is a great joy for us to be here,” Pinto said. “Playing against Milan will be the biggest match in the club’s history. We will try to fight and win.”
Pinto defends Italian clubs’ European record
Pinto also defended the recent performances of Serie A clubs in European competitions despite his complicated relationship with Italian football.
“When you talk about European competitions, the Italian teams are always there,” Pinto said. “I hear people criticize Italian football, but Inter have played two Champions League finals in recent years, Roma won the Conference League and played in a Europa League final, and Atalanta won.”
“Juventus and Milan are going through a complicated period, but they remain the teams to beat.”
Former Roma director happy in Premier League
Pinto then reflected on what he misses from his time in the Italian capital.
“I miss Italy as a country,” he said. “Many times they killed me because I told the truth, and I cannot say that I miss Italian football. I miss Italy, but not Italian football.”
“Obviously, I also miss Roma—the city, the supporters and the club. I am happy in the Premier League because it was my dream to work here.”
Pinto served as Roma’s general manager between 2021 and 2024 and helped construct the squad that won the Conference League under José Mourinho.
Leave a Reply