Roma president James Pallotta has spoken out against former Giallorossi defender Mehdi Benatia.
Benatia, who had been the subject of much transfer speculation this past summer, completed a move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in August.
Palotta, who has remained quiet on the controversial transfer, has finally released a statement on Roma’s official website speaking out against the the Moroccan International who allegedly deceived Roma officials of his intent to remain at the Stadio Olimpico.
“We had a verbal agreement on compensation and a raise back in July in Boston. He personally said to me that he was happy after I told him flat out with no exceptions that we wanted him to stay,” Palotta said.
“Over the following month he lied about wanting to stay and about the details of his compensation to both Rudi Garcia and his teammates.
“Lying to me was one thing which I can somewhat handle. Lying to Rudi Garcia and his teammates was completely unacceptable to me.
“I told Walter Sabatini he was becoming a poison and I wanted him gone, and Rudi and Walter agreed. It wasn’t about the money; it was about having character in our locker room. We are in a very sound financial position.
“As owners of Roma, we make difficult decisions all the time. As a fan of Roma, I am deeply disappointed that one of our players could act this way.”
