'Man Utd were too late for De Rossi'

By Football Italia staff

Roma boss Rudi Garcia has admitted that Manchester United almost signed Daniele De Rossi this summer.

The Premier League champions were linked with a number of high-profile midfielders during the transfer window, and the French Coach has claimed that David Moyes’ men came in for the Italy international – but left it too late to sign the vice-captain.

"In the summer we talked about his future. He is from Rome, but there were some big clubs looking at him,” Garcia told L’Equipe.

"I told him that I could not lose him last minute, so we set a date after which no one would leave. That is exactly what happened.

"A few days after the first Serie A match of the season, Manchester United called the club and called him, but the date had passed and he didn't move."

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