Fiorentina midfielder Rômulo has explained why he was unable to be a part of Italy’s FIFA World Cup squad.
The 27 year-old, who spent the season on loan at Hellas Verona, admits continued muscle problems cost him his place and that his withdrawal led him to tears.
"For a month-and-a-half I have had a muscle problem that with the national team, with double workouts, has turned into pain," he told Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by Football Italia.
"I would need complete rest to solve the problem. And on Thursday [Italy Head Coach] Prandelli came to be and asked me: ‘Rômulo, I have seen the physical tests, you are a little behind, why? Are you managing?’
"And then I have not held back the tears and I told him: ‘I have this small problem, physically, and it is right that someone who is in better shape than me goes to Brazil’.
"Prandelli put his arm around my shoulder and said to me: ‘Do not worry, thank you for the sincerity’.
"Now I think to treat myself and to not miss the next train with the national team. For me it was a fantastic adventure and I hope to soon have a new opportunity."
