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

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 5:58 PM ET

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

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.”

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.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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