We rejected a €100m offer for De Rossi, says Roma general manager Baldini

Sep 18, 2012 5:49:00 PM

The man behind-the-scenes at the Stadio Olimpico has admitted that the club turned down a nine-figure fee for their captain and cooled reports of any rift between him and Zeman

Roma general manager Franco Baldini has claimed the club rejected a €100m offer for star midfielder Daniele De Rossi during the summer.

The 51-year-old has confirmed the Italy international has committed the remainder of his career to the Giallorossi, and also praised former boss Luis Enrique.

“De Rossi? He will stay at Roma for life,” he told Sky Sports Italia. “We rejected several offers for him, even a €100m one.

“I want to send my greeting to the Spanish coach. He was a rookie, but he was able to teach us a lot of things, and me in particular.”

The former England national team assistant manager concluded by quashing rumours that there has been a falling out between himself and current number one Zdenek Zeman.

He said: “It has been rumoured there is a problem between the coach and I. That is not true. The majority of ideas for the club, we share.

“When we hired Zeman, we knew that we were taking on his character as well. But we wanted a man that would come in and change our football. We wanted to change the history of Roma, and his football has always fascinated me.

“We wanted a coach that wins, not one that satisfies people.”

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