Shakhtar Donetsk vice-captain Luiz Adriano has admitted he “would have loved to play for Roma.”
The 27 year-old Brazil international – capped twice – was strongly linked with La Maggica during the January transfer window, but no deal was ever finalised.
Roma eventually signed Seydou Doumbia and Colombia international Víctor Ibarbo from CSKA Moscow and Cagliari respectively as alternatives and Adriano concedes that he has regrets over not being able to make the switch, even if he remains committed to Shakhtar.
“There was no agreement between the clubs,” he said, as reported by Sky Sport Italia and website Football Italia.
“What is certain right now is that I’ll continue to play here, for Shakhtar, I want to win titles and continue to score lots of goals in this shirt.
“I want to give my all, like I always have.
“Roma are a great team, with a great history who are still battling for the title. It would definitely have been a great opportunity for me, for my career.
“They have a great history in Europe and Serie A, I would have loved to play for Roma.”
Adriano’s contract with Shakhtar expires in December and it has been suggested that Roma may return with a renewed bid ahead of the 2015/16 season.
For Shakhtar, losing Adriano would represent a significant blow. The forward – a reported €3 million signing from Internacional in March 2007 – has netted 121 goals in 252 appearances for the club and won 16 major honours.
This season, he’s managed 14 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions and is currently the top scorer in the 2014/15 UEFA Champions League.
