Rasmus Kristensen, who signed with AS Roma, was one of the Leeds United players who went out on loan during the most recent transfer window.
The Denmark international is now at the national team camp for the international break after making seven appearances in Serie A this season. The Leeds native told the local media that he joined the Italian team in part because of José Mourinho, and TV2 Sport is reiterating his remarks.
“He’s a fantastic coach. That’s one reason why I chose to go to Rome. He’s one of the greatest coaches in history who has won everything there is to win. And he has that aura too,” he said.
“For me, he’s a coach who is at the very top. So, of course, I wanted to try to work with him. So far, it has been totally cool and educational.”
Roma had to omit two of their summer acquisitions from the Europa League roster due to Financial Fair Play criteria, and Mourinho’s team opted not to select the 26-year-old.
The right-back for the Whites has acknowledged that he was forced to accept the Italian team’s decision to exclude him.
“Of course, I was worn out by that. But I understood the rules of financial fair play. I wasn’t surprised that it was a right back they chose. It would have been more controversial to leave out Lukaku,” Kristensen explained.
“He [Roma director] explained to me that he was sorry, and he understood well if I was angry and disappointed. But that was the way it had to be. There’s not much I can do about it.
“Fortunately, I have played in Serie A matches that have taken place. In that way it has been okay, but of course it is annoying.”
The Leeds-owned player is expected to rejoin the Championship team following his loan with the Giallorossi, according to TV2 Sport. The Dane joined Leeds from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022, and he managed three goals and one assist in 30 games during his first season at Elland Road.
