Roma defender Kostas Manolas has revealed that he rejected moves to Juventus and Arsenal over the summer in order to sign with the capital city club.
The 23-year-old, who arrived at the Giallorossi from Olympiacos in August, has become a regular in coach Rudi Garcia’s starting squad this season thus far and has insisted that he’s happy that he decided to join the Lupi and hopes to remain in Rome for many years to come.
Manolas spoke to Il Tempo about his choice to complete a transfer to Roma over his other pursuers, while also commenting on the Stadio Olimpico outfit’s upcoming Champions League meeting at home against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
“Juventus had been looking to sign me after the World Cup,” said the Greek international. “I could have even ended up at Arsenal, but I had never went to London as I’ve said before.
“Now for me there is only Roma. I’m delighted to have arrived here and I hope to stay with this club for many years.
“The match with Bayern? It will be a difficult match against one of the best teams in Europe. We will have a full stadium on our side, the Olimpico is fantastic, I was excited from the first minute I played there against Fiorentina.
“I don’t know how it will end with Bayern, but it will sure be a challenge not to be missed by anyone.”
