Capello: I helped United in De Rossi chase

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Former England manager Fabio Capello (C) (Action Images)

 

Former England manager Fabio Capello has revealed he advised Manchester United boss David Moyes in the Scot's pursuit of AS Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.
Speaking to reporters in Italy, Capello, who managed the Three Lions for four years between 2008 and 2012, also said he thinks De Rossi made a huge mistake in not joining United.

Capello said: “A few months ago Moyes asked me for an opinion on the player and of course I had only good things to say.


“De Rossi decided to stay at Roma but if it had been me I would have left to join United, who are a team with huge ambition.”

United are understood to have had two separate offers for De Rossi turned down by Roma, the final of which came on transfer deadline day.

Roma have since claimed that De Rossi could have been bought earlier in the summer as the player had yet to committ himself to the club. However once they had received assurances that De Rossi would stay they felt confident in knocking back all offers for the midfielder.

De Rossi, alongside forward Francesco Totti, is one of Roma's most iconic players. The Italy international joined Roma as a youth player in 2000 and has since gone on to make over 300 league appearances for the Serie A club.
Capello also has links to Roma, having managed them for five years between 1999 and 2004, winning the league title in 2001.  

The Italian is now in charge of the Russia national team, who are in pole position to win their World Cup Qualification group and reach the forthcoming finals in Brazil.