Villas-Boas: ‘Mora can become world class under Gasperini at Roma’
Official: Rodrigo Mora joins Roma on a permanent transfer from FC Porto (via www.asroma.com)
Andre Villas-Boas believes Rodrigo Mora has the technical quality to reach the very top, and that Gian Piero Gasperini is the coach to get him there.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport in Copenhagen at the European Football Clubs assembly, the Porto president, who sanctioned the sale, was clear about the talent that Roma have bought.
“Oh, an immense talent who will make Roma fans happy,” he said. “He’ll find his space and he’ll enchant Rome, I’m sure of it. He has personality and uncommon technical qualities, and he wants to have a great career.”
Villas-Boas: ‘Competition pushed him out’, Mora can become ‘world class’ at Roma
Asked why that career could not have happened at the Estadio do Dragao, Villas-Boas pointed to the squad rather than the player.
“He was an idol for the fans, a jewel of our academy, but in the end the great competitiveness in the team meant he had a level of game time he felt wasn’t sufficient. So we decided to listen to offers, and Roma were really determined to take him.”
He initially deflected a question about Gasperini’s influence, “I’m a president now, not a coach any more,” before offering his assessment anyway.
“I think he’s technically among the best talents around, and in future, with the tactical work of a master like Gasp, he can become world class.”
On whether that extends physically, he was dry. “Well, he can’t become six feet tall. And if you’re talking about muscles, I’d say no, he already has enough quality in his feet.”
Mora cost Roma €50m, with €25m paid up front and the balance through deferred instalments or a future sell-on. It is a substantial outlay for a 19-year-old, and one that sits oddly against the financial caution Roma have shown elsewhere. Villas-Boas, who won the Europa League with Porto before his spells at Chelsea and Tottenham, is in no doubt it will prove justified.
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