Rossi reveals what Ljajic said

By Football Italia staff

Delio Rossi has revealed exactly what Adem Ljajic said to provoke his physical attack. “I understand Serbian...”

The Fiorentina Coach was sacked after he struck 20-year-old player Ljajic during an incredible dugout brawl following a substitution in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Novara.

Rossi accepted the decision and apologised to Ljajic, but refused to confirm or deny what was said during his farewell press conference.

However, he has now told La Repubblica newspaper what sparked his totally out of character fury.

“While he was going back to the bench Ljajic applauded and said to me: ‘Well done, maestro. Really, you’re a phenomenon.’

“I told him he shouldn’t dare behave like that and he offended me in Serbian. But I have trained many Serbian players in my career and I understood what he said.

“He told me to ‘go back in your mother’s ****’ and at that point I lost it.”

The article also claims Ljajic goaded Rossi during the attack, repeatedly telling him to hit harder ‘as they’re going to kick you out anyway.’

Meanwhile, Fiorentina have confirmed Ljajic’s father will not press charges against Rossi, changing his mind after telling the Serbian media he would contact a lawyer.

Ljajic has been frozen out of the squad until the end of the season and is unlikely to ever play for Fiorentina again.

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