Gini Wijnaldum has turned down a Premier League return with Everton as ‘one of the best number eights in Europe’ holds out for Serie A giants AS Roma, as reported by Calciomercato.
Was it his loyalty to Liverpool? Or perhaps his desire to continue playing European football and fight for sillverware with the Qatar World Cup just around the corner?
Either way, Wijndaldum appears to have brought an end to any speculation suggesting he could take the Rafa Benitez route; A Champions League winner at Liverpool returning to Stanley Park in the blue of Everton.
According to Calciomercato, Wijndaldum has little interest in joining Frank Lampard at Everton, just 12 months after being forced out of Anfield against his wishes.
Lesser men would view Everton’s interest as an opportunity to take some measure of revenge. To show his old employers what they are missing. But Wijnaldum – as a player and a person – has never been anything other than pure class.
PSG’s Gini Wijnaldum chooses AS Roma over Everton
“What is my first memory of him? His smile,” recalls former AZ Alkmaar coach Gertjan Verbeek (Gazzetta dello Sport).
“He was very young at the time and always showed up half an hour early for training with headphones on and in a good mood.”
That trademark grin will certainly return to Wijnaldum’s face if negotiations between PSG and Roma go to plan. The veteran midfielder is not part of Christophe Galtier’s plans at the Parc des Princes and can leave for around £9 million.
According to Calciomercato, Wijnaldum is desperate to work with Jose Mourinho in the Italian capital. And while the 31-year-old would arrive with something of a point to prove – he was named Ligue 1’s ‘Flop of the Year’ after a disastrous stint in France – Verbeek is convinced that the Dutch international still has a lot to offer.
“He adds personality, leadership, quality and quantity (of games),” Verbeek adds. “He remains one of the best ‘number eights’ in Europe.”
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