Osvaldo explains Espanyol exit

Roma striker Pablo Osvaldo still feels bad about the way he left Espanyol but says the move was pushed through by the Spanish side.

The Buenos Aires-born attacker left La Liga for Luis Enrique’s men despite having a storming season at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat, where he was a fans’ favourite.

The 25-year-old has apologised for the move, but felt it was too good an offer to refuse.

“First of all, I want to apologise to the fans for the way and speed in which I left Espanyol,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

“I was not lying when I said I wanted to stay at Espanyol. That was true. My agent knew this. That said, I have gone to another club to win more.”

“Like any player, I’m a professional and I have a family to be supported. In addition, before the offer came, I asked if it was possible for Espanyol to recognise my contribution to the club.”

“I am not ungrateful. The club’s response was clear: ‘no’,” he said.

Osvaldo has since made his debut for Italy and is happy in Rome, but has not ruled out a return to Espanyol in the future.

“I can assure you that I feel a deep respect for the fans of Espanyol. I feel grateful because my family and I always felt supported and made to feel at home.”

“So it really hurts when I have been reading that they are very disappointed in me and call me stingy.”

“I love this club and its fans. And hopefully someday I can return. I had a hard decision to make. But I’m honest and I cannot say now that I am sorry because I am very happy in Rome,” he said.