Veteran Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patrício will be a free agent this summer as he comes to the end of his three-year contract with AS Roma.
36-year-old Patrício has recently lost his starting spot at Roma following the departure of José Mourinho, with new boss Daniele de Rossi switching his preference to former Benfica goalkeeper Mile Svilar.
Svilar was called into the Giallorossi line-up for last week’s Europa League draw at Feyenoord and kept his spot for the 3-0 victory at Frosinone at the weekend. Svilar was regarded by many to be Man of the Match and De Rossi confirmed after the final whistle that the Serbian international will remain between the posts.
“Everyone was bad in the first half, except Svilar,” said De Rossi. “Once again, he demonstrated that he is in a great moment. He saved us in the first half and now he will have the opportunity he deserves as a starter.
“Both goalkeepers are very good, at this moment I see Svilar in good shape, so I want to give him a little confidence and stability. This is why he is playing.”
There was a time when Mile Svilar was 1 of the most hyped GK prospects in Europe. Didn't happen for him then, but he's still only 24.
— Serbian Football Scout (@SerbFootyScout) February 19, 2024
???? De Rossi: 'Everyone was poor except for Mile. He's going through a positive period & will get the space he deserves.'pic.twitter.com/XvxJidMOy4
Italian press reports on Saturday claimed Patrício has already decided his future and will leave the capital at the end of the season when his deal expires. The former Sporting man was an almost ever-present under Mourinho, racking up 129 appearances so far and helping Roma win the Europa Conference League in 2022.
By @SeanGillen9
