“The right choice” – Renato Sanches joins José Mourinho at Roma | OneFootball

Portuguese international Renato Sanches has finalised his move from Paris Saint-Germain to AS Roma, signing a season-long loan deal in Italy with a view to a permanent switch.

Sanches struggled to make an impression at PSG last season as injuries often disrupted his momentum. The former Benfica man was made available by new boss Luis Enrique, and the Giallorossi quickly made Sanches a prime target to boost José Mourinho’s squad.

“I’m so happy to have joined this huge club,” stated Renato, who has been given a passionate welcome by his new club’s fans. “The Roma project really won me over and I feel that playing here is the right choice for me. “It’s so important for any player to feel the support of the fans. For me on my first day, the impact that I felt helped me understand how much these supporters love the team and that can only drive me forward to give my all to achieve success here.”

Roma will be obliged to make the deal permanent should certain conditions be met during his stay in the Italian capital. The move is Renato’s fifth since his breakthrough at Benfica in 2016, with the midfielder having taken in a brief spell at Swansea City in the Premier League, as well as a highly successful two-year stay at Lille.

Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto was pleased to get his man, telling the club’s media: "Renato Sanches is a player that we’ve been following for a long time. Despite that, he’s still a young player and he’s developed the habit of achieving success in every competition, both at club and international level. “Renato has the technical and physical qualities that should see him slot seamlessly into our midfield, making it even more competitive.”

Having already started training with his new club, Renato is in line to make his debut on the opening weekend of the new Serie A season. José Mourinho’s men host Salernitana on Sunday evening at the Stadio Olimpico, with Paulo Sousa’s side expected to be tough opposition following a strong second half of last season.