Roma not willing to sell De Rossi

Posted Wednesday, December 19, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Roma has revealed that it has no plans to sell midfielder Daniele De Rossi in the January transfer window, despite rumors that he could be leaving Stadio Olimpico.

The Italy international has been out of favor with coach Zdenek Zeman due to the 65-year-old's use of a 4-3-3 formation, but president James Pallotta denied there was any plan to let him leave the the Giallorossi.

"We have no intention of selling him. We’re not in touch with any other clubs, and we have not received any offers. It’s all speculation," Palotta told reporters at a press conference.

Director general Franco Baldini echoed the sentiments of Pallotta and revealed he was laughing at the number of rumors surrounding the player that had appeared in the press.

"The president enjoyed himself this morning by reading about how many clubs we had sold De Rossi to. As I’ve always said, there is no intention of selling him," Baldini said.

The pair also confirmed the arrival of Italo Zanzi as the club's new CEO, and Pallotta admitted that failure to qualify for the Champions League would be a major disappointment.

"The principle objective is to create a good side from now and for the next 10 years and one of the biggest brands in the world," Palotta added. "This year’s target is to qualify for the Champions League and we’ll be disappointed if that doesn't happen."

Palotta added that the club is looking to move away from its iconic stadium and build a new ground that will be up and running "within the next five years".