Sabatini explains Gerson picture

By Football Italia staff

Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has been forced to explain Gerson holding the number 10 shirt - ‘we didn’t want to offend anyone’.

The attacking midfielder is in Rome to complete his move from Fluminense, and showed his ambition by posing with the number 10 shirt, currently worn by club legend Totti.

“I just want to explain why this young lad, who might be a great player in future incidentally, had the number 10 shirt in his hands in that photo,” Sabatini said, speaking to Roma Radio.

“I had to convince him, I told him that one day Roma fans would face great pain, because they would no longer have their idol, and the best ever in Italian football [Totti].

“We have to find someone to replace Totti in capturing imagination of the fans, regardless of his role and characteristics. I used that topic to fire the lad up, and that’s why I sent him the number 10 shirt.

“It wasn’t intended to offend anyone, I don’t know if the number 10 shirt will be retired, that depends on what Totti wants.

“The lad has nothing to do with this story, and deserves dignity and respect, because he’s made a choice [leaving Brazil for Italy] that isn’t like swapping Ponte Vecchio for Rome.

“What Totti has done will not be replicated by anyone for many years, his pass to Gervinho against Valencia [in the weekend’s friendly] will be replayed for 15 years.

“But what does all this have to do with respect for the man and the player? I’m completely responsible for why the lad had the number 10 shirt in his hands.

“I did it to try and make him feel the size of the club, which will one day lose it’s biggest name.

“It’s my responsibility, the kid shouldn’t be insulted because he proudly showed the shirt of the greatest Italian player.”

Totti himself was philosophical about the incident, describing the jersey as a ‘second skin’, but hinting that he doesn’t want it to retire with him.

“The greatest hope I can give all the young lads is that they’ll one day have the opportunity to wear the Roma number 10, and exchange it with a great player like [Lionel] Messi.

“Everyone should have that opportunity. The number 10 jersey is my second skin, but everyone should be able to have that dream, to wear it, and more importantly to honour it, and make it synonymous with the best sporting achievements.”

image via Gerson's Twitter profile

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