Former Roma Defender Rick Karsdorp Breaks Silence on Mourinho’s ‘Traitor’ Remarks

Former Roma right-back Rick Karsdorp has opened up about his turbulent relationship with Jose Mourinho during their time at the Stadio Olimpico. During his latest interview in his native Netherlands, the 29-year-old recalled when the ‘Special One’ called him a ‘traitor’ eight times.

After tumbling down the pecking order at Roma, Karsdorp left Serie A to return to his homeland in August, signing a one-year contract at PSV Eindhoven. His career in Rome never took off, even though he spent eight years in the capital.

Karsdorp experienced a difficult period during Mourinho’s time in charge. The Fenerbahce manager called him a traitor in his post-match conference after a game against Sassuolo in 2022. That’s when the Dutch defender’s career at Roma started to decline.

“The team played a good game but was betrayed by a player who did not have a professional and correct attitude with his teammates,” the former Roma manager said back then.

Now, two years after the incident, Karsdorp told his side of the story.

“We were having bad results, and I think Mourinho wanted to send us a signal by using me. However, he has never apologized, he is not that kind of person. He then tried to mend the relationship, but I didn’t want to,’ the former Roma flop confessed, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio.

“He called me a traitor about eight times in the dressing room. He can do it there, but he should never have done it in public. I was surprised, he reached the limit. I should have left Roma after that.”