Farioli on Rodrigo Mora transfer: “It was a financial decision” | OneFootball

Francesco Farioli, FC Porto’s coach, commented on Rodrigo Mora’s departure to Roma. As reported by O JOGO, the Italian club is paying 25 million euros for half of the economic rights to the 19-year-old midfielder, with a further two million potentially added if certain targets are met. Roma may also buy the remaining 50 percent of the player’s rights for another 25 million euros. FC Porto holds a sell option for the same amount, making the purchase mandatory. The Italian coach assessed the deal and also compared the use of the young Portuguese player with that of Gabri Veiga.

“As you know, the last two weeks have been full of different opinions, let’s put it that way. A few days ago I gave some figures about playing time, etc., and today I took notes so that we could have everything absolutely precise. But first of all, the decision and the fact that Rodrigo is leaving is a financial decision. As you know, the deal worth more than 50 million euros that was made represents the highest net amount for the club. It is the biggest transfer in AS Roma’s history and one of FC Porto’s five biggest ever. So it was definitely a very good market opportunity that brought in the money a club like Porto — which needs to sell in order to keep moving forward — requires. That is the first part,” he said.

“Second chapter: about the minutes and how much he played. I also heard it said that he was my third option or that I didn’t rate him that highly. According to the numbers — and I’m not talking about Transfermarkt’s numbers, but ours, which also count stoppage time, meaning the exact minutes — Rodrigo played a total of 1,946 minutes. Gabri [Veiga] played 2,699 minutes. In the league: 1,177 minutes for Rodrigo, 1,622 minutes for Gabri. In the Europa League: they played practically the same, 433 minutes for Rodrigo, 442 minutes for Gabri. So I would say the gap is not that big. If we go by starts in the starting eleven: Rodrigo 21 times, Gabri Veiga 31. Rodrigo came off the bench 23 times, Gabri Veiga 17. And, thank God, we managed to have them both, with Rodrigo injured for only two matches and Gabri also for two matches. Certainly, when you have two players at the same level, you have to manage that. You have to manage it according to the game, the results, and the needs,” he added.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.