Borini rejects reports of Roma rift

Fabio Borini has dismissed rumours a rift with colleagues at Roma led to his departure to Liverpool.

Italy international Borini arrived at Roma at the beginning of last season, initially on loan from Parma and then as part of a co-ownership agreement, but last week he sealed a move to Liverpool after just one season for a reported fee of 14 million euros.

It has been suggested Borini was keen to depart because he had fallen out with some of his Roma team-mates, but he has insisted there is no truth in the reports.

“False,” the 21-year-old forward said when asked about the rumours during an interview with Corriere dello Sport.

“I never had any problems with anyone.

“I did not attend two (team) dinners, out of a total of three I think, because I had family that had come to Rome to visit for me. That’s it.”

Borini also played down suggestions comments he made served to alienate vice-captain Daniele De Rossi, who was dropped from the Roma squad to play Atalanta after being late for a team meeting.

“They (the press) asked me what I thought,” Borini said.

“I told the truth: I always arrive 20 minutes early for appointments. I do so with friends. Surely it’s not a defect for me to be punctual?”

Borini, who was included in Italy’s squad for Euro 2012, said his decision to move to Anfield was motivated solely by football reasons.

“It’s a lifestyle choice,” he argued.

“I am going to the home of football. My heart is in England, where I feel free: on the field and in life. I knew that sooner or later I would return.

“Certainly, I planned to spend a little more in Rome – I even bought a house in town – but football is unpredictable.”

Formerly on loan at Swansea from Chelsea, Borini said the appointment of ex Swans manager Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool was key to deciding his future.

“The coach influenced my decision,” Borini said.

“But he also drew upon the stimulus of (joining such) a glorious club.

“At Liverpool, I can take another step forward in my career.”

Borini, who netted nine times in Serie A last season, previously worked with Rodgers at both Chelsea and Swansea.