Roma fans respond with X-rated banner as Jose Mourinho transfer falls through
Angry Roma supporters unveiled an X-rated banner protesting the signing of former Juventus and AC Milan defender Leonardo Bonucci as the club pulled out of negotiations.
Jose Mourinho's side have now abandoned their pursuit, with club chiefs opting to focus on signing a younger target in the January transfer window. Bonucci, 36, joined Union Berlin over the summer but has struggled in the German capital, with his new club enduring a wretched season both domestically and in their debut Champions League campaign.
Sixth-place Roma were tipped to sign the 121-time Italy international on a short-term basis but a report from Corriere dello Sport claims that the Giallorossi have now withdrawn their interest. The decision comes following the sight of a banner which was unfurled by disgruntled fans. " Bonucci, rinse our b***s," it read, hanging on a bridge in the city.
The phrasing was in reference to the centre-back's 'rinse your mouth' goal celebration. Bonucci scored a spectacular volley to beat Roma 3-2 while was at Juventus in 2014, gesturing towards his mouth as he wheeled away towards the crowd.
Commenting on Roma supporters' protestation of the transfer, Mourinho said: "The fans are the heart of the club and when they don't like something, I personally think you shouldn't do it out of respect for them."
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However, it's since been reported that rather than fan protests, the main reason for the Serie A side opting not to pursue a move Bonucci was because they want to sign a younger centre-back. Roma president Dan Friedkin is said to have personally vetoed the transfer, with out-of-favour West Ham defender Thilo Kehrer, 27, linked with a switch to the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma's talks with Bonucci and his entourage suggest that the 36-year-old Italian was interested in a return to Serie A, with new team Union winning just five games all season. The Berlin-based outfit even parted ways with long-time boss Urs Fischer in November, having managed the club for five years.
Get involved! Who should Roma sign instead of Leonardo Bonucci in January? Let us know in the comments section.
Leonardo Bonucci's move to Union Berlin has so far been a failure (Lars Baron/Getty Images)Bonucci had wanted to finish his career with Juventus, who he left for a brief spell with AC Milan in 2017-18, recently told Marca : "I miss my family the most. I really miss everything about Italy. But in life, it is necessary to have the courage to face new experiences. But yes, what I miss the most is the family part, seeing my children and my wife every day. The daily life of Turin."
He added: "Everyone knew what my desire was, but I live this moment with serenity and maturity. Today I am more serene, and less angry about what happened in the summer."
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