Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Pellegrini admitted he appeared destined to leave the Stadio Olimpico before Gasperini’s arrival. “The boss was crucial because at the start of last season it seemed almost normal that we would go separate ways,” Pellegrini revealed.
“However, from my perspective, the first time I sat down with the coach last season, we immediately agreed on what I could do here with him.”
“I spoke to the club, the coach, the staff and my team-mates last summer and they all said they wanted me here. So it was very natural,” he added.