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Roma boss Di Francesco 'not bitter' over Malcom snub

A shock last-minute approach by the Catalans saw them beat Roma to the winger, who had look set to move to the Eternal City

Eusebio Di Francesco has shrugged aside Roma’s inability to land Bordeaux winger Malcom, who opted instead to sign for Barcelona in a dramatic late twist.

The Giallorossi had agreed a €40million fee with Bordeaux for the 21-year-old, who was reportedly set to fly into the Italian capital earlier this week to finalise personal terms.

But after both Roma and Bordeaux announced the deal, reports emerged that Barca were interested in hijacking the deal. 

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The Brazilian eventually decided on a move to Camp Nou, where he signed a five-year contract after the two clubs settled on a price of €41m (£36.5m/$48m).

Malcom described the switch as “a dream” and although Roma sporting director Monchi indicated the club would consider legal action, Di Francesco seemed unperturbed by the developments.

“You’d have to ask Monchi about it,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I’m not bitter, I’m sorry for how things went but if someone is to arrive then an even stronger player will come.”

Despite the setback over Malcom, Roma have been busy in the transfer market so far this summer. 

Javier Pastore arrived from Paris Saint-Germain, while the Italians also sealed a move for Ajax wonderkid Justin Kluivert. 

Di Francesco, however, has also seen first-teamers Alisson and Radja Nainggolan leave, for Liverpool and Inter respectively.

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