Totti: Had to sell Alisson, CR7…

By Football Italia staff

Francesco Totti admits Roma ‘couldn’t say no’ to selling Alisson for €75m and ‘hopes Cristiano Ronaldo does well’ for Juventus.

Accusations that Roma were a ‘selling club’ resurfaced after Alisson joined Liverpool, albeit for a world-record fee, while some believe Ronaldo’s arrival at Juve will only widen the gap between the Bianconeri and the likes of Roma.

“We’re building a young team for the future,” Totti told Sky Sport Italia after his side’s 1-1 draw with Avellino on Friday.

“We’ll try to strengthen as soon as possible, so that Roma can compete at the top.

“Alisson? The market figures have changed, €75m for a goalkeeper happened for the first time and we couldn’t say ‘no’.

“I’m sorry that we’ve lost one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but we’ll try to build a strong team regardless.

“Disappointed about not facing Cristiano Ronaldo? No, I already played against him. I met him and I’m happy because he brings a lot to Italian football: he’s extraordinary, the best along with Messi.

“We hope he can do well here too and that the Serie A can go back to being like it was before.

“Are the fans disappointed? It’s normal if it’s demoralised the fans of other teams a bit, but we have to be calm: the club’s objective is to make the players and fans happy.

“Everyone expects big names and we’ll certainly do our best.”

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