Villas Boas: Why Porto gives Rodrigo Mora to Roma, Gasperini praises

In the afternoon of a cold press conference in Porto, President André Villas Boas told Corriere dello Sport about the transfer of Rodrigo Mora, a young Portuguese talent born in 2008, sold to Roma for €25 million, with bonuses that could reach €50 million.

The reasons for the transfer

Villas Boas explained why Porto decided to let the youngster go, describing him as an idol for the fans but with insufficient minutes due to strong internal competition. “He was an idol for the fans, a jewel of our academy, but in the end this great competitiveness within the squad led him to have playing time that he felt was not enough,” he said. The president added that, for this reason, they decided to listen to offers and Roma was truly determined to take him. Rodrigo MORA VIA was therefore valued.

Roma’s coach, Gasperini, expressed great confidence in the midfielder’s future. “I think he is a technically gifted talent among the best currently available and in the future, with the tactical work of a master like Gasp, he can become a world‑class top,” he stated. Gasperini is convinced that the youngster will find his place and will enchant the team.

In the context of Portuguese football, Villas Boas praised Farioli’s work, highlighting the intensity, pressure and speed that the coach brings to the players. He also commented on the league’s challenges, citing the need to centralise TV rights by 2028 and the reduction of teams from 18 to improve competitiveness.

With Rodrigo’s departure, Porto looks to the future, while Roma hopes to see the youngster develop under Gasperini’s guidance, aiming to turn him into a world‑level star.