Italy

Roma Coach Spalletti Waves Goodbye To Montella

The Giallorossi tactician has bid farewell to the veteran striker.

Jul 2, 2009 6:00:59 PM

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Luciano Spalletti - Roma (Grazia Neri)

Players

Vincenzo Montella

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has expressed his surprise at the decision of Vincenzo Montella to quit playing football. The veteran announced his farewell on Thursday and Spalletti suggested that injuries were the overwhelming factor.

"The retirement of Montella? When he told me I did not believe it," he revealed to Roma Channel.

"I am sorry to see him leave, he knew his role as a player and if you gave him instructions he would never quit, but some physical problems affected his decision."

Meanwhile, the Giallorossi began their pre-season preparations and Spalletti is optimistic about the coming campaign.

"We are fortunate that we have the opportunity to erase the trends of the last championship and to show our true value," he continued.

"We started training today at Trigoria and I saw everyone very motivated."

Roma finished in sixth place last season and are looking to make amends in 2009-10.

Adam Scime, Goal.com

Want more from Goal.com delivered right to your door? Introducing "Goal.com Magazine." Subscribe now!