Franck Kessie dismisses Roma rumours as ex-Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder stresses he's not in Saudi Arabia for the money

Amid rumours linking him to Roma, former AC Milan and Barcelona midfielder Kessie opened up on his plans for next season and insisted that he will remain with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli following the high of their sensational AFC Champions League triumph in May.

Roma are planning a major squad overhaul ahead of next season, which sees Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini take charge of the team at Stadio Olimpico. Kessie, who has considerable Serie A experience having spent over five seasons at Milan between 2017 and 2022, has been earmarked for a return to Italy. Sky Sport Italia claims that the Giallorossi are seriously considering a move for the 29-year-old Ivory Coast international.

Speaking to Supersport, Kessie said: “Next season we will aim even higher. There is the league, the National Cup and the Super Cup. I still have a contract for another season. After that, we will see… but as long as I play, I want to leave my mark.

“Honestly, I am very proud. We gave our club its first Asian Champions League. It is historic! We built a great team with big names like Riyad Mahrez, Mendy, Demiral, Ibanez… and we did it seriously. We did not come to Saudi Arabia just for the salaries. We came to win, to leave our mark. And that is what we did.”

While it remains to be seen whether Roma can tempt Kessie to reunite with Serie A, they have been linked with names such as Brazilian right-back Wesley and USMNT star Josh Sargent.