Roma midfielder Manu Koné clarified that he was not desperate to leave the Giallorossi for Inter during the summer, emphasizing his sense of `duty` to repay the club`s trust.
Despite appearing close to a move to Inter during the summer transfer window, the French international ultimately stayed at the Olimpico after Roma`s ownership, following a meeting with Gian Piero Gasperini, decided to block his departure.
Koné opens up about possible Inter move
“It’s positive when a club like Inter shows interest,” Koné remarked to Corriere della Sera (via Calciomercato.com).
He recalled his conversation with Gasperini: “I told him I was unsure of the outcome, but assured him, ‘As long as I wear this shirt, I’ll give 100%.’ Roma was the only club that put their faith in me last summer, so I feel obligated to reciprocate.”
A move to Inter would have seen Koné rejoin former Borussia Mönchengladbach teammates like Yann Sommer and Marcus Thuram.
“We even joked about it,” the Roma midfielder said. “They advised me to make the best decision, but ultimately, it wasn’t my choice.”
He stressed, “I was very content at Roma; it’s not as if I was desperate to leave.”
Interestingly, Koné had the opportunity to join another Serie A powerhouse, Milan, before his 2021 transfer to Borussia Mönchengladbach.
“It’s true, I did speak with Milan,” he confirmed. “Massara contacted me, but I felt joining Borussia was the right step for my development.”
He added, “Then, I reunited with Massara here at Roma. So, in a way, the circle was completed regardless.”
Koné has been instrumental in Roma`s strong start this season. The Giallorossi currently lead Serie A with 12 points from five rounds, level with Milan and Napoli.
Koné ‘feels good’ to be table leaders
“Being at the top feels great; that’s what we strive for,” Koné commented. “We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves, but last year we had a poor start and ultimately paid the price for it.”
The French midfielder reiterated Roma`s goals: to “finish in the top four and win the Europa League.” He also lauded his new coach, Gasperini, stating, “I’ve never witnessed anyone experience games as intensely as he does. It’s as if he’s physically on the pitch, which inspires you to fight for him unconditionally.”
