Roma ace Stephan El Shaarawy offered an emotional response to recent accusations claiming he had taken part in illegal betting activities. After scoring a last-gasp goal to inspire Giallorossi to a dramatic 1-0 home win over Monza on Sunday, he stood up for himself amid malicious insinuations served to the press by Italian entrepreneur Fabrizio Corona.
El Shaarawy’s late volley catapulted Roma to a morale-boosting triumph over a stubborn Monza side at the Stadio Olimpico. More importantly for the player, it was his first goal in Serie A this season, and the timing couldn’t have been any better.
Less than a week since Corona accused him and his Roma teammate Nicola Zalewski of being involved in underground betting activities, the 30-year-old delivered a perfect response on the field. Emotions got the better of El Shaarawy after the goal, as he was in tears while walking back to the center of the pitch.
After the game, the Roma winger seized the moment to tell his side of the story.
“I’ve been accused of being involved in the betting scandal by the press… it hurts, it was completely fake,” El Shaarawy told Gazzetta dello Sport. “I love this sport, I respect football. I’d never do something like that — I feel clean.“
Roma had shown support to El Shaarawy and Zalewski, but the former felt obliged to express himself publicly. Aware of the gravity of Corona’s indications, he had already filed a lawsuit against the controversial whistleblower.
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