Jose Mourinho spoke to the media ahead of Roma’s second match of the new Serie A season, taking the opportunity to throw light on a plethora of players, including free agent Andrea Belotti. The ex-Torino man saw his contract expire earlier in the summer, but still hasn’t found a club to represent going into the 2022/23 campaign.
Mourinho has been in contact with the EURO 2020 winner, and he doesn’t rule out signing him for the Giallorossi.
“I don’t know if he will sign with us in the end, but I can talk about him because he is free. I’m happy to know who wants to come to Rome, I like that, and the director knows it too.” (via Calciomercato)
Speaking of Roma youth product and talisman Lorenzo Pellegrini, the Special One was full of praise, citing his versatility as his greatest weapon.
“Last year I said that I would like to have three Pellegrini, today I tell you that that player who had potential six months ago has become a great player. He can occupy many positions, even where Zaniolo or Dybala play; he has reached an important footballing maturity and has a great mentality. For the team he is an important value, he can play anywhere.”
Finally, he shed light on Nicolo Zaniolo.
“Physically he is fine, he seems much more agile and fresh. For someone like him it is difficult to hold 90 minutes at that intensity, the credit goes to him. If he stays? I can’t answer, but I say I’d like him if he stayed: for us he is a very important player.“