Lorenzo Pellegrini has revealed that staying at Roma was his priority despite interest from other clubs, crediting Gian Piero Gasperini with playing a fundamental role in his continued stay.
Speaking alongside the coach at Trigoria ahead of Roma’s Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava, the midfielder discussed his recovery from surgery, his one-year contract renewal and his willingness to play in either a deeper or more advanced midfield role.
“The Contract Was a Decision Made by the Club”
Pellegrini said he feels comfortable emotionally but acknowledged that he is still working towards his best physical condition after a lengthy absence.
“I’m doing very well. I’m relaxed. We’re working, and having been off the pitch for a long time meant I needed to ease back in. I can certainly improve my physical level. Initially, it was more difficult: I wasn’t at the same level as my teammates.
“But we keep working. This is an exceptional group that works hard during the week and goes even harder on Sundays. The contract was a decision made by the club, which I accepted.”
Asked about spending much of the summer without a contract, Pellegrini explained that his recovery had taken precedence over his future.
“I experienced it calmly—well, peacefully, let’s say—because I had to think about returning as soon as possible. My thoughts were more focused on getting well than anything else.
“I have to say it was a peaceful summer because we were always in contact with Gasperini and the staff to try to continue together, which is what eventually happened.”
Pellegrini Confirms Interest From Other Clubs
The Roma midfielder acknowledged that other clubs had approached him, but insisted his preference was to remain in the capital.
“Yes, but as I said before, at that moment getting well was the most important thing for me, because otherwise you can’t go anywhere to play.
“It was important for me to get well and, as I demonstrated, my priority was to stay here because of what we built last year. I’m very happy.”
Gasperini Was “Fundamental” to Staying
Pellegrini credited his relationship with Gasperini with changing the outlook at a time when a departure had appeared possible.
“The coach was fundamental. We started last year in a situation where separating perhaps seemed normal, even though it never would have been—as if the right time for me to leave had arrived.
“Instead, at least from my perspective, as soon as I met Gasperini, we immediately agreed on what my path with him could be, even though I only had one year left on my contract last season too.
“For my part, I have always been completely willing to come here every day and give everything for the team.”
He also clarified that his comments about the length of his renewal were not intended as criticism.
“As for the contract situation, we haven’t discussed it in detail. It was a time when I wasn’t well because of the injury. What I said earlier wasn’t meant to be controversial. Quite the opposite: I spoke to everyone—the club, the coach and the team—during the summer, and everyone made me feel they still wanted me here.
“The most important thing for me is to get back to feeling well, to be here in this group, which I repeat is fantastic, and to reach 100% as soon as possible so I can give 100% in helping the coach and Roma.”
Roma Embrace the Pressure to Win
With Roma seeking an important Champions League victory against Slovan, Pellegrini described the expectation to win as a familiar and positive responsibility.
“That is always there. You go into every match to win, to perform strongly and to try to make the game go our way. Yes, it is a good kind of pressure, one we are used to and that is there every Sunday. That won’t change.
“As for the rest, I found the group just as it has always been: a very, very united group that trains hard so it can perform strongly on Sundays. A healthy group that works a lot and wants to improve collectively, not just individually.”
Pellegrini believes the continuity of working under Gasperini has helped Roma build on last season.
“What we want is to continue doing what we are doing, performing strongly on Sundays to stay near the top. That is what we are trying to do: stay up there. Last year, we managed it.
“This year, with a year under the coach already behind us, it was easier to come together even more from the start. What we want, quite simply, is to go out there, match after match, always trying to win, performing strongly and continuing to improve every day.”
Ready to Play Deeper or Behind the Attack
With injuries limiting Roma’s midfield options, Pellegrini made clear that he is comfortable adapting to Gasperini’s requirements.
“First of all, I play wherever the coach asks me to. Then, of course, everyone has their own characteristics. I will never be a wing-back who knocks the ball ahead, runs and catches up with it: that isn’t one of my best qualities.
“I’m more of a player who likes having the ball at his feet, and this team allows you to show your qualities fully.
“So whether I’m in central midfield or further forward, the important thing for me is to find the right space and timing to receive the ball, look forward and make use of the space available.”
Source: Lorenzo Pellegrini’s pre-match press conference.
Leave a Reply