Kone wants to ‘repay the faith’ shown in him by Roma | OneFootball

Manu Koné said he wants to ‘repay the faith’ that Roma put in him by rejecting the Inter proposal, and reveals what Gian Piero Gasperini told them during the Europa League win over Nice.

The midfielder was only purchased last season from Borussia Monchengladbach for €20m including add-ons, and Inter were reportedly ready to offer double that this summer.

However, the Giallorossi slammed the door shut and refused to even consider a sale.

“I’ve been working for a long time to reach this level, Roma wanted me, and I want to repay the faith that the club showed in me,” Koné told Sky Sport Italia.

Koné can see himself growing with Roma

LECCE, ITALY – MARCH 29: Manu Kone of AS Roma celebrates the victory after the Serie A match between Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on March 29, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

He was commenting after the 2-1 victory away to OGC Nice that opened up their Europa League campaign.

It was goalless at the break, but defenders Evan N’Dicka and Gianluca Mancini scored the goals, before a late Terem Moffi penalty.

“The problem is that in the first half we had a lot of possession, but Gasperini told us that we needed to be more decisive going forward, which is what we tried in the second half.

“With a new coach like Gasperini, who knows what he wants, we are working hard in training. The victories are coming and we want to continue like this.”

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Gian Piero Gasperini head coach of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images)

Some would suggest Roma are among the favourites to win the Europa League, considering Gasperini won it with Atalanta in 2024.

“We’ve got to take it one game at a time, you are the ones who are to say if we are among the favourites or not,” replied Koné.

“We are very ambitious, of course, and hope this will be a long journey.”

They have started the campaign with five wins and a defeat between Serie A and the Europa League under their new coach.