Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto has confirmed Rick Karsdorp is up for sale as he detailed the Dutchman’s blow-up with coach Jose Mourinho.
Pinto says the fullback was never banished from the squad and accused his entourage of deliberately misleading the public by placing stories in the world press.
He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “After the game with Sassuolo and the words of Mourinho, the player on a disciplinary level committed a serious impropriety by not showing up for training and refusing to participate in the tour of Japan.
“We avoided other controversies by trying to work internally and with the player’s entourage. Ricky is back, trained and played. Unfortunately, this week someone wanted to do the phenomenon, burning the work that had been done a little.
“I don’t know if he’s still the footballer’s attorney… But he went hunting for fame, being the protagonist instead of continuing to work to solve problems. The same happened with Fifpro, an institution that drafted a statement without ever having spoken once with Roma. Karsdorp has never been out of the squad, despite not showing up twice.
“Our coach did not use turns of words, but after the games an emotional part takes over which is not always easy to control. There are many other examples, including recent ones in the Premier’s top clubs. These things often happen in football. Many, however, have forgotten that the best version of Karsdorp has been with Mourinho, who in 18 months has employed him 60 times as a starter.
“We accept criticism, but I cannot allow a player to take advantage of the situation to harm Roma. Karsdorp is on the market, but he will never go away for nothing. If he leaves, we will have to find a way to keep the team balanced, not necessarily by buying a full back.”
