Keita: 'Ibra called me to Milan'

By Football Italia staff

Seydou Keita reveals Zlatan Ibrahimovic asked him to join Milan and Roma boss Rudi Garcia “has what it takes” to match Pep Guardiola.

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“In 2012 I was on the verge of signing for the Rossoneri, while before then I had been close to Roma twice before when Luciano Spalletti was in charge,” Keita told Sky Sport Italia.

“Ibrahimovic called and wanted me to come and play with him at Milan. However, he had a few problems here and in fact Zlatan went to Paris Saint-Germain. I could call him back here, but he’s fundamental for his team now and I doubt he’d leave Paris. I’ll call anyway!

“I signed a one-year contract with Roma, which is sufficient for me. I don’t want to pen a long-term contract and force the club to keep me if things don’t go well. I just want to enjoy myself at this stage of my career and when I see the fans at the Olimpico it gives me joy. It really matters for me to feel loved.

“I can honestly say I’d be happy to end my career at Roma, but in six months things can change and if I start playing badly then the club could decide not to renew. What counts for me is playing at a high level and still being appreciated by the fans.”

Keita won it all at Barcelona and was at Valencia when he opted to join Roma over the summer.

“Roma have a great group of players, different to the ones in other teams I played for. For example, we have a Whatsapp group that we’re all on to communicate between ourselves, for example if someone forgets about training. It’s a great atmosphere, but of course to be truly happy you need results.

“It was tough to leave Valencia, but I wanted to continue in the Champions League. Rudi Garcia called me many times, initially in March, but I eventually accepted because I realised he really wanted me.

“I haven’t known Garcia long, but he’s a very intelligent Coach and direct with his players. He listens to our opinions and is not just a chief barking out orders. Like Garcia, we all want to play great football.

“It’s difficult to compare him to those I’ve worked with in the past, but Garcia certainly has what it takes to reach the level of Guardiola, Juande Ramos or Pizzi.”

It’s impossible to talk about Roma without mentioning their legendary captain Francesco Totti.

“To play like he does at the age of 38, you need more than just talent, as you have to be a real professional,” continued Keita.

“What strikes me about Francesco is his physical fitness. I am 34 years old and I’m not sure I want to keep going until I’m 38. He’s truly incredible.

“I’ve never been much of a media-friendly player, but every time I left a club, my team-mates were sad. When I arrived at Roma I was asked if I’d come here to watch the others play! The fans who read the papers thought I was finished as a player, but the most important thing is always what you do on the pitch.”

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